This Week in 2.0 December 18, 2007
Posted by gmwand in Uncategorized.trackback
Since my last post, some pretty amazing things have happened. First, I received comments (w00t – I believe is the correct expression to use here). They were very positive ad encouraging. But more than the morale booster that I needed, each commenter also offered to help me in my journey, offering not only advice, but contact information to ask questions or seek help. I now see my network beginning to grow as I follow more people in Twitter and a few have started to follow me. I have added to the RSS feed that I subscribe to. That means a lot more reading, but so far, its all been good stuff.
My new MacBook also arrived this week. With so many tools for creating and sharing digital media built into its design, I think it will be a valuable tool in my learning process. The day after it arrived, I was at an Apple Media Event where the iLife suite of tools was demonstrated. I’ve already created a basketball highlight movie with my son and a picture book of the first snowfall with my daughter. Tomorrow I am hoping to uStream our Band & Chorus concert. Should be alot of fun.
As exciting and encouraging as those things have been, the biggest boost for me came courtesy of Steve Dembo. Known online as teach42, Steve’s posts and tweets always give me reason to explore some more. It started when he and Dean Shareski started what I’m sure will be known someday as the edutwitter wars, as each climbed the Tweeter Leaderboard. Soon several edutweeters were claiming top spots in the top 100 tweeterers. Then came twitter invites to webinars that he was hosting. Those were very cool and again gave me more to think about. Lastly, and for me the most exciting part, came a comment from Steve on last weeks post. Again, his words were encouraging and full of practical ideas to strengthen my network. Thank you Steve, I am fortunate to have found an outstanding guide this early in my journey.
As for anything frustrating this week, well now that you mention it, I did get lost trying to explore Second Life. Somewhere between Orientation Island and Help I lost the window that was describing how to move about. I finally gave up and exited. Maybe, I’ll try again over Christmas break.
So that is “This week in 2.0.” Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to explore and learn that which is web 2.0.
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Hi Gerry,
I stumbled upon your blog today through my friend, Jen Wagner, who learned of you when she received her Secret Santa gift. Welcome to all things 2.0! It takes some time to build a network but once you start attending webcasts and UStream events, commenting on blogs, and expanding your Twitter community, people will get to know you. You are particularly fortunate to be located in Illinois. It seems almost everyone I meet is in that state. The edtech community, as you probably know, is very supportive there.
I’m sorry to hear that your first visit to Second Life was frustrating for you. I’m very active in Second Life as are many of the folks in the Twitter network. I have a math center right across from Discovery Education Network on EduIsland II. Any of the DEN people and I would be happy to give you a hand. Most educators become members of ISTE when they first arrive. The docents there will give you all the information you need to have a successfulcheck Second Life experience. I hope you will try again over the vacation.
I look forward to reading your blog and hope to see you in Second Life.