Blogging, Web 2.0 Tools & Participation

Brief, weekly in class or online assignments will allow you to explore and experience tools such as Flickr, YouTube and MySpace. You will explore a tool or website and then blog about the exploration and how the tool might be used to enhance the mission of libraries.

After establishing a blog through our Wordpress site, you will be using this electronic publishing medium to share your thoughts and ideas on Web 2.0 & Library 2.0 as you progress through the course. At least one post of 200 words is required each week, though you are free to write more if inspired. Your blog posts are a place to reflect and to process concepts and experiences related to the themes of the course. Think of it as a journal that is intended to help you clarify your thoughts while contributing and sharing openly on the Web.

Although your posts should be succinct and concise (because most people prefer brief entries), they should move beyond surface-level observations and demonstrate critical thinking, evaluation, and commentary. Part of the challenge in blogging is packing meaning into a few short paragraphs.

Some blog post topics will be assigned in class. Please number your blog posts accordingly: Post #1, etc.

You will post a 200 word abstract of your paper on your blog the week the paper is due .

Part of this grade is also for the RSS Assignment: Create an RSS portal via Google Reader, Bloglines or NetVibes to keep informed about current developments and innovations in libraries. You will use the portal throughout the assignment to gather content for blog posts, class discussion and your projects.

For other weeks, choose from the list below.

Suggested Topics:

• Responses to theories and concepts in course readings
• Reactions to posts by someone else (and adding a new dimension or angle)
• Examples of effective Web 2.0 services (and why)
• Constructive ideas/suggestions for improvement of existing library practices
• Links to new information resources to support L2 in practice
• Links to emerging technologies (what’s brand new and has potential?)
• Thoughts on the social/cultural/political/economic impacts of Web 2.0 and social networking
• Ideas of how you can (or are) implementing L2 ideas in your current work context
• Your individual philosophy or definition of L2

Remember to:

• Link out to other sites when appropriate
• Add images and embed video when appropriate

Grading: Maintaining the blog over the course of the term is part of your class participation grade as is monitoring class blogs via RSS.

30 Points