Activity 3: Flickr

This week we’re exploring Flickr. This assignment is due on Tuesday, October 5.

• Read “7 things you should know about Flickr” and "My friend Flickr: A match made in photo heaven".
• Take the Flickr tour. You can explore Flickr photos, search the tags, view various groups, and more. Then, check out the Library of Congress's Flickr photostream.
• Choose a photo from Flickr and upload it to your blog. Examine the existing tags for the photo.
• To upload the photo to your blog, either review the video, How to create a blog in Blogger or follow the following Blogger directions for uploading a photo. This feature lets you add photos from your computer or from the Web and choose the placement (layout) in the blog post. The directions are highlighted below:

1. First, within Flickr, right-click on the photo you want to insert into your blog. Then, click “Save Picture As…” and save the file to your desktop or file space.
2. Second, within Blogger, click the little photo icon in the toolbar on the New Post page, in the row of tools above the post box. Follow the instructions to “Add an image from your computer.”

Post in your blog:

• Label this post Activity 3: Flickr.
• Indicate what tags were assigned to the photo originally, what additional or different tags you’d recommend, and why.
• What is exciting about the Library of Congress partnership with Flickr?
• Do you upload images to your Facebook account? How does Flickr compare? What are some differences?
• How do you feel about having your photos public (note that you can mark your Flickr photos private, too) -- any concerns?

Activity 2: Web 2.0

This week we're focusing on the basics of Web 2.0. This activity is due on Tuesday, September 28.

• Watch the videos
• The Machine is Us/ing Us
• Social Media in Plain English
• Read the articles:
• "Blogs, Podcasts, and Wikis: The New Names in Information Dissemination"
• "Tech-Bastion Mayo is Using Social Media as a Way to Reach Potential Patients"
• "From ATVs to Beauty Products, Companies are Atwitter about Social Marketing"

Post on your blog:

• Title this post, Activity 2: Web 2.0.
• From the examples in the readings, identify one specific use of social networking tools that you think is effective. Why do you think it is a good use of Web 2.0 technology?
• What is your reaction to companies using social networking spaces for advertising and marketing? Does this seem like an appropriate way for companies to connect with their customers?

Activity 1: Blogs

Ready to start blogging? Your first Learning 2.0 activity is to set up your own blog and add your first post. You will use your blog to complete all of the Learning 2.0 activities. This activity is due on Tuesday, September 21.

• View the video, "Blogs in Plain English."
• Create your blog.
• View the "How to create a blog with Blogger" video.
• Go to Blogger.com and start your blog.
• Give your blog a unique title. Your title is the name that will appear on the banner at the top of your blog. This title is the name of the entire 10-week assignment.
  
• If you wish, add a picture or personalize your blog.
• Be sure that you show comments.

• Under the Settings tab, click the Comments link and select Show.
  
• Under Who Can Comment, we recommend the second choice, Registered Users.
• Remember to Save Settings.

Post on your blog:

1. Clearly title your post, Activity 1: Blogs.
2. Write an introductory post reflecting on your experience with creating your blog.
   
3. Be sure to mention something you learned from the videos you watched.
4. Email your professor the URL and title of your blog: Melissa Prescott at mkprescott@stcloudstate.edu

Learning 2.0 Grading Rubric

The assignment for each week will involve a post to your blog about the topic for that week. The assignment for each week will be posted on Tuesday and due the following Tuesday. Each of your posts should provide insights into what you’ve discovered or learned and any questions or thoughts you have on the activities you’ve completed. These blog postings will be graded according to the following rubric:

A (3 points):

All questions answered completely, and blog posting completed on time.

B (2.6 points):

Some questions answered completely, and blog posting completed on time.

C (2.3 points):

Blog posting does not demonstrate that readings and activities were completed. Blog posting completed on time.

D (2.0 points):

Blog posting does not demonstrate that readings and activities were completed. Blog posting not completed on time.

F (0 points):

Blog posting not completed.

About Learning 2.0

What is Learning 2.0 @ SCSU and why are we doing it?

Learning 2.0 @ SCSU is a hands-on assignment that provides an opportunity for students to explore Web 2.0 tools. Why are we doing this? In your future careers, you may be asked to create content using a Web 2.0 tool. In a recent survey of information professionals, "63% reported that their organizations used at least one of nine social software tools: wikis, blogs, really simple syndication (RSS), social network analysis, online social network, online virtual world, social tagging, social bookmarking and podcasts. Data suggested that of the nine tools, RSS, blogs, and wikis were used the most."* As you do research throughout your college career, you will also encounter information from Web 2.0 tools. Learning 2.0 @SCSU focuses on finding and evaluating information. Assignments will be completed by posting to a blog that you will start in the first week.

For ten weeks starting on September 15, students will explore Web 2.0 tools and complete a number of activities. Each assignment focuses on a particular type of tool and will give students the opportunity to explore the tool. Each assignment will be posted on Tuesday and due the following Tuesday.

Learning 2.0 @ SCSU has the following learning outcomes:

• Students will be able to identify Web 2.0 tools.
• Students will be able to evaluate information found in Web 2.0 tools.
• Students will demonstrate their knowledge of Web 2.0 tools in their blogs.

Learning 2.0 @ SCSU addresses the following course objectives:

Utilize the research process in the analysis and development of information

• Access information in a variety of formats and with a variety of viewpoints

Evaluate information critically and thoughtfully

• Identify both judgmental and nonjudgmental language in print and non-print sources
• Challenge content and question referential base in both written and non-print materials

Organize information

Communicate the results of research

Acknowledgments:

Learning 2.0 @ SCSU is an adaptation of Learning 2.0 @ Mac (http://macetg.wordpress.com/about-learning-20-mac/), 23 Things on a Stick (http://23thingsonastick.blogspot.com/), and Learning 2.0 – 23 Things (http://plcmcl2-things.blogspot.com/).

*Reid, M., Gray, C., & Honick, C. (2008). Online social networks, virtual communities, enterprises, and information professionals. Searcher 16 (6): 28-40. Retrieved June 23, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.