Thing 9

Communication

When it comes to issues of compatibility, Web 2.0 tools such as Slideshare, Picture Trail, and GoogleDocs truly benefit the 'masses'. As a long-time Mac computer user, I've been able to witness a bit of a revolution when it comes to compatibility issues. Because Mac popularity has recently skyrocketed (I wonder how much of that is due to iTunes virtual control over the music industry?), these issues have become less and less invasive. Yet the days when Word documents couldn't be successfully written and read, respectively, on Macs and PCs, were relatively recent. In addition to compatibility, issues such as file size can be erased by the use of a database like GoogleDocs. Rather than having to email a large document, and risking overloading a personal allotment of memory, access can be given to read and/or edit through the database, which can be accessed by any computer regardless of make/model/or year.

Below are the sharing websites that I explored:

Slideshare - While exploring this site I stumbled across a very cool presentation, 'Remembering John Lennon'.

Picture Trail - An amazing free resource, though the ads were a bit overwhelming. So many free resources on the Web, as far as I can tell with my limited experience, appear to be run by selling advertising space (which is not a new phenomenon...but something about Web advertising is more invasive than print advertising...I particularly dislike the advertisements with audio and that unfurl as they take over the screen...). This, of course, is something that must be overlooked though as the fact that the resource is free is spectacular.

GoogleDocs - This is the most useful tool, as far as I've experienced in the school environment, that allows the sharing of information in a collaborative fashion. Once a document is created, the option of delegating editorial power to those with whom the document is being shared is given. This is huge in the idea that an unlimited number of people can work together instantaneously.

Of the above resources, I feel as though GoogleDocs (or similar tools) could provide the most potential for reference interaction. I find it to be more useful than a more traditional instant messaging tool as it allows much larger messages (you can cut and paste huge sections of relevant information, for example.)