Eight Weeks to Web 2.0 - Week 8 
Exploration of Other Web 2.0 Functionality
It's been a good ride. Many people think of Web 2.0 as websites. It really isn't. It's about communication and it's about acquiring new tools and new relationships. It's about developing your own network and your own "go-to" people when you need help or ideas. It's about building your own capacity so that people "go-to" you for ideas and support. Yes, it's about people talking to people and good things happening as a result.
During Week 8, we'll investigate some sites that are clearly built on this premise. It's difficult to describe other than that. You may not be able to define it, but you'll know it when you see it! For example, this course has been delivered through a Wiki. In its simplest, it is just a collection of web resources that I put together. However, at its finest, anyone could change the content. Perhaps you did not like my description, I made a spelling mistake, you have a better example, ... You have the ability to do something about it. Hopefully, you did.
So far, you've got a good start. You've acquired some new physical tools and certainly a great deal of skill along the way. You follow experts and not-so-experts with Twitter and you read and comment on their blogs. You've got your own blog going and hopefully are interesting or provocative enough to encourage others to contribute to your blog.
The concepts for much of what would be classified as Web 2.0 applications is the same. Sign up (with your new email accounts) and dig in. Since we're mentioning Wikis, let's take a look at a video about Wikis.
Wikis
Ready to try your hand at creating your own Wiki? Create your own free Wiki at one of the following places.
These hosting sites will let you host your own Wiki for free. You have total control once you've created your Wiki. Make it private so that only you can edit it or allow for collaboration from others by opening it up. Your choice as the Wiki creator.
The greatest of them all, and the poster child for what can be done with a Wiki and collaboration is, of course, Wikipedia.
Why not just use email? There is a difference between email and wikis for collaborating on a document. Here's a visual to explain why.
http://www.wikinomics.com/blog/index.php/2008/03/26/wiki-collaboration-leads-to-happiness
Some Web 2.0 Sites to Check Out
What else can be done? Remember that Web 2.0 is all about communication and interaction. Some of my favourites are listed below. You may have to work at them a big to truly appreciate them, but it's worth it. Remember, it's all about the networking.
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UStreamTV - got a camera and want to broadcast? Do it here. Or, just watch others broadcast
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280Pages - create a presentation online - download to Powerpoint
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Splashcast - create your own multimedia channel
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Awesome Highlighter - highlight text on a webpage and save it like you'd highlight a regular book
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Blippr - reviews and book ratings
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Jumpcut - edit and share your videos online
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Podomatic - create and find podcasts online
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Animoto - create multimedia presentations online quite easily
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YouTube - share your videos with the world
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Flickr - share your photos with the world
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Wordle - create your own word clouds
Or, check out the various sites that I've tagged as Web 2.0 on Del.icio.us
Just remember that you do need sleep! Add the intriguing sites to your own del.icio.us account!
Still looking for more? Grab another coffee and check out collection. http://www.go2web20.net/
In the classroom
Download this eBook written by Terry Freedman about Web 2.0 projects. Now that you've had exposure to some of the rich features of Web 2.0, does it fit in the classroom? Absolutely. Terry's book describes how over many subject areas with concrete examples in this reference. A great start for anyone looking to incorporate these technologies with students. Check out, also, Mr. Freedman's resource page for additional content.
RSS
Finally...you can't be doing all of this Web 2.0 work without running across the term RSS. This stands for Rich Site Summary and modern browsers will let you add an RSS feed to the browser via a bookmark. Simply, this means that you can track changes without actually visiting the website every time something is updated. A good introduction can be found here and the video below should bring you up to speed.
It's actually a little of a confusing time now in the RSS world. Google has dropped support for its very popular Google Reader. One of the emerging favourites appears to be Feedly.
Check in
The end. Or is it? If you've stuck with the course this long, you know that this who section of the internet could consume all of your waking moments. This course will stay online and will be editable. As you get better, please allow this course to grow and get better. Add to the content so that others will benefit from your Web 2.0 knowledge. Stay in touch - my email address is doug@dougpeterson.ca and I'd love to hear from you.
Congratulations on completion. If you've kept up to date with all of the activities, you're well on your way to understanding the concepts behind Web 2.0.
Please let me know what you thought of the course.
Thanks.
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