Finding something library-ish to blog about when I don’t actually work in a library is a little difficult. When I think about libraries, I think about knowledge and education and that makes me think about the on-line class I’m taking.
That’s 2.0-ish, right?
The class never meets and so is conducted entirely on the internet. We have a website, Course Compass, that we access daily to check for updates. Within Course Compass are areas for the teacher to post announcements, to post documents, discussion boards, a roster where each student can create a home page, and a whole other wealth of goodies.
It really is like being in an actual classroom. Even better, I think. Each week, we’re broken down into groups to have discussions on our reading assignments. And boy, do the conversations flow! I think people are more outgoing and more able to really state their opinions when they have the protection of the internet. There’s no fear of seeing your listener’s negative reaction or feeling inferior or threatened. Certainly, if someone writes a scathing response you could still feel bad. But as a general rule, people are quite respectful. But the feeling of being free to express yourself has created woderful learning situations and allowed students (well, me at least. I can’t speak for everone) to really understand their peers and their points of view.
Hey Rach, those are some insightful thoughts about the freedom of the internet. I never thought about it in a classroom environment. A student who might be reluctant to speak up in class, may feel more comfortable entering conversation or debate over the web. Interesting.
I’m proud of you for completing Web 2.0 training. Being the youngest of us, I suspect you were already pretty web savvy, but I hope you learned a few new things along the way. I know it’s difficult to suggest library relevance when we work in the Administration office, but I thought you did a good job of expanding your thinking. Wield that coffee mug like a trophy when you get it!