Using video content

The ability to use video content opens new opportunities, not only to engage targeted viewers, but to expand the volume and nature of content. In a library setting, video can be used as a skills teaching resource or a support document within the context of a larger presentation. I am using short video (as introduced in this class) in support of a paper I am presenting next month. In addition, I will be using short video segments to add "personality" to an online course I will be teaching in the fall. Beyond using the same care you apply to any other "medium" of information, one must grapple with the "performance" feature of presenting in a video format. To do this, you must be brutally honest about your own "presentation style" - which can be quite humbling. Also, the "nature" of the content presented may determine if video is the best medium for presenting. I have some experience using the tegrity system and "live performance" does have its challenges. However, the rewards inherent in broadening your pallete of presentation options is worth the work. Video can also be quite humorous and reflective of changing "social practices". Take this video from UTube, for example. (:-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RGccQFxi3U

Online photo sharing

Honestly, I was least impressed by this application. Although I agree that Flickr is probably the most usable application, I found the "yahoo pushing" on the site a real negative feature. Account creation is a problem here. I eventually got an account in atpic and used that. I have used PC based photo programs and, combined with email and WEB browsers have found that they work well. However, understanding the "interconnected nature" of WEB 2.0, Flickr type tools are obviously the wave of the future. However, they have to clean up the login issues and curb pushing an agenda on potential users. Just my 2 cents worth.

Web Office Tools

WEB office tools, particularly the Google Docs application, is/are extremely useful additions to your "arsenal" of resources. As mentioned elsewhere, it bypasses the need to utilize email attachments, providing a central platform for joint editing and viewing ventures. In fact, I am presenting at CHLA next month and am using Google Docs with my co-writers as we speak to edit our paper. I may also test the forum as a backup (not confident yet to use it as the primary source) for accessing the document at the conference. I believe this is the "direction" of document sharing. However, I think you will see such features appear in a number of forums (wait until Microsoft gets a hold of it) and will be as common as WEB based banking. Very good topic, and, for me, VERY timely!!

Social bookmarking tools

Social bookmarking tools offer some distinct advantages over the traditional terminal based variety. First, there is the obvious "portability factor" (which raises the question: I assume Del.ic.ious offers hand-held access. True?). Second, and more significantly, the "folksonomy" factor expodentially expands access to potentially useful sites. Like other aspects of WEB 2.0, this feature facilitates information sharing among like-minded people who, otherwise, would not likely to connect. I can see the potential for using this tool as a current awareness opportunity. On the down side, there is the ever-present issue of "information security". One can gain much information on an individual by the types of sites he or she bookmarks. As with other Internet based resurces, one must use the standard precautionary measures. It is a fact of life that greater access to information also includes greater security issues. Thatis the reality we live with, unfortunately.