5612 First Post

While working through the first assignment, we were asked to look at several current Internet based applications that are used for communication and collaboration. Instant Messaging is something that has been around for quite awhile. As far as a communication tool, it is probably the most straightforward item discussed. It is real time, and the thing I like is that it allows you to multitask quite a bit more than a telephone conversation. As a backchannel tool, it is efficient, but can also serve as a distraction. VOIP is a fairly recent development and one that I use personally. Initially, there were some quality issue, but I have never encountered a problem. The versatility of this is something that traditional phone companies can't really touch. I love the fact that I can call across the country for the same rate all the time. Comcast, my provider, has an iPhone app that allows for me check voice mails without having to dial my mailbox. The 911 concerns I believe have been worked out to a large extent and with the addition to battery backups in the modems, the problem of power outage has also. Podcasts, while also a fairly recent development, have had a major impact on education. With the ability to quickly and inexpensively produce a podcast, educators are able to take learning out of the classroom and add it as an on demand offering. There is a wealth of information that is available with Podcasts. Schools have a multitude of opportunity to pass along supplemental info, distribute announcements or post videos of events or speakers (with the proper clearance of course). Podcasts also add a new dimension to professional development. Podcasts in education have grown to be so popular, that Apple has a special section devoted to them on iTunes called iTunes U. Blogs are also a major source of information. No longer do information seekers have to rely on publications to get information. Experts and amateurs alike are now spreading information, ideas and news via Blogs. These are excellent tool of learning. Accessible anytime, blogs are useful tools for educators to post lessons, information on topics not fully discussed in class and are also useful for educators to learn from each other. Just like podcasts, the ability to use this tool for professional development is limitless. The only catch is the the blogger must keep up. If you slack off, then you lose readers and the blog is not as useful. Facebook and Myspace have really blown up in terms of users in the past few years. As a tool for educators, these social networks are still fleshing out their usefulness. They can become a distraction in the classroom however. There is still plenty of opportunity to use these services however. Since they are a very popular way to communicate (understatement I know) students and readers are more likely to check these sites for information. I know that Twitter has really be thrust to the forefront of social networking. Because of its basic nature and ease to use interface, it has become a handy backchannel communication tool. I know Purdue University has pioneered a tool called Hotseat, where students can use Facebook, Twitter, a smartphone or a web interface to communicate with instructors and teacher assistants in class to ask questions, or bring up topic suggestions. By going to where the students live digitally, Purdue is encouraging use of these services. Second Life is another applications that educators are starting to use to hold classes online. With Second Life, users assume the role of their Avatar (movie reference not intended) and are able to interact with others in the environment. This gives educators the ability to build and customize the learning environment and have users assume different roles depending on the lesson.
By using these new and diverse communication portals, educators have the opportunity to interact with their students in the environment where their students spend a majority of their time. There are pitfalls to using these technologies, but the rewards out weigh the risks.