Networks on the web (Module 9)

Activity 1 - Scootle

I'm grateful to the course for taking me back to Scootle as I had not accessed this valuable resource for some time. With access to over 10,000 items of digital curriculum content from The Le@rning Federation there are certainly some gems there. In fact having been prompted to visit the Scootle, I used learning objects in two of my classes this week.

I have a couple of other sites I like for digital content - PhET and Merlot.

PhET provides free online simulations covering a diverse range of topics in physics, chemistry, biology and earth science. The simulations have been designed by the University of Colorado and are generally first rate.

MERLOT is an abbreviation of Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching. It is

a leading edge, user-centered, collection of peer reviewed  higher education, online learning materials, catalogued by registered members and a set of faculty development support services.

Activity 2  Explore social networking sites

I am fortunate in having been introduced to Second Life by Judy O'Connell some years back. I have also been following the excellent pioneering work of Jo Kay( aka jokay Wollongong (in SL)) . Jo Kay is a freelance geek, designer, and facilitator based in Wollongong, Australia. She can be found on both SL and ReactionGrid and I have found her very accommodating of novices. Whilst I have not been there as yet, I am confident that a free jokadiaGrid account would be a great way to experience a safe introduction to a rich virtual environment. I owe thanks to Judy for pushing me and to JoKay for being so helpful to someone she has never met face to face.

Whilst I have attended a few conferences, museums, universities and professional society landmarks in Second Life, for me its time is yet to come.

Having been a sceptic in relation to Twitter for some time, I now find it a valuable tool for establishing and maintaining contact with a professional network. Personally, I have tended to stay away from Facebook and suspect that that will remain the case.