If I could turn back time……

As it is now 8 months since I started using the web2.0 technologies, I was asked what I would do differently if I could turn back time. If so, what would I suggest  for newcomers.  First of all, I would not ……

……..start with trying to learn everything (as I tried to do) – wikis, blogs, nings, podcasting, RSS feeds  and as many web2.0 online tools as I could possibly find!!! My head is only now clearing out of the cyberfog that surrounded it for a good proportion of the last 8 months. However, the mist still exists in my cyberworld!!!

1. Join a social network asap. It might be easier starting now, as online social networks have started to establish themselves in ever increasing frequency. It is an absolute must to latch onto a social network, either in your area, state or online.  One of my favourite networks was, and still is www.classroom20.com. Since then I have joined quite a few ning groups (too many) in fact and it is almost impossible to keep up with them all. Another good starting point, would be http://www.projectsbyjen.ning.comwhere some fantastic global projects are offered, allowing you to meet lots of other teachers, mainly primary, from around the globe and establish a network. Many of these are new to it all, but experienced teachers help guide the newbies. There are forums, discussion groups, blogs and just plain good reading material on both these sites. Membership is free. Victorian and Australian mailing teacher lists are a good source of contacts.
2. Start with http://del.icio.us I started my journey here and would do it again, if starting over. This is an online bookmarking site, think my favourites on your computer, except that it is a social network and available to you anywhere you can access the internet. Websites are tagged and can be bundled into appropriately named folders. You can add other people whose work or interests is similar to yours and tap into their bookmarked sites, and then add them to your network. There are online blog posts, youtube and teachertube videos to guide you.
3. Commence a blog and just concentrate on learning to use that blog and all the powerful features that it will give you. Read other people’s blogs and place comments on their posts. There are some great hints, tips and advice given on the adventure calendar for 2008 by experienced bloggers. The experienced and caring bloggers will email back to you with a reply and their email link is displayed. This may allow a network to be established or conversations may be started online.  Look at all types of blogs not just educators’ blogs.  Start with a simple theme and concentrate on writing. It is easier to start with journal type posts first, discussing you aspirations and classroom activities. Gradually work on presentation, add widgets and enjoy posting regularly.
   I am so glad I learnt to use blogs and experimented with them for 6 months, before I introduced them to my students this year. Once I was confident and comfortable with my blogging I would move onto nings, wikis and video conferencing. These are all powerful uses of the emerging technologies.

….. Hope that  cybermist clears one day….. as it is such a sunny web2.0 world!!!