Knowledge, information and Web 2.0

I have been looking a texts about on-line teaching. I thought that the following was really useful. Especially for module two-ers and three-ers. It is important you don't just use information you happen to come across when you google a subject. Researching into things is not just about finding something someone has written on it. It is about evaluating what things mean in terms of what you already know (and who you respect who also knows about it) with what you want to know more about.  Don't let Google determine what you know; allowing your information on a subject to be whatever comes highest in a search! So here are some questions to ask yourself: 

 Authority. Who says? Know the author.

• Who created this information and why?
• Do you recognize this author or their work?
• What knowledge or skills do they have in the area?
• Is he or she stating fact or opinion?
• What else has this author written?
• Does the author acknowledge other viewpoints and theories?

Objectivity. Is the information biased? Think about perspective.

• Is the information objective or subjective?
• Is it full of fact or opinion?
• Does it reflect bias? How?
• How does the sponsorship impact the perspective of the information?
• Are a balance of perspectives represented?
• Could the information be meant as humorous, a parody, or satire?

Authenticity. Is the information authentic? Know the source.

• Where does the information originate?
• Is the information from an established organization?
• Has the information been reviewed by others to insure accuracy?
• Is this a primary source or secondary source of information?
• Are original sources clear and documented?
• Is a bibliography provided citing the sources used?

Reliability. Is this information accurate? Consider the origin of the information.

• Are the sources truth worthy? How do you know?
• Who is sponsoring this publication?
• Does the information come from a school, business, or company site?
• What's the purpose of the information resource: to inform, instruct, persuade, sell? Does this matter?
• What's their motive?

Timeliness. Is the information current? Consider the currency and timeliness of the information.

• Does the page provide information about timeliness such as specific dates of information?
• Does currency of information matter with your particular topic?
• How current are the sources or links?

Relevance. Is the information helpful? Think about whether you need this information.

• Does the information contain the breadth and depth needed?
• Is the information written in a form that is useable (i.e. reading level, technical level)?
• Is the information in a form that is useful such as words, pictures, charts, sounds, or video?
• Do the facts contribute something new or add to your knowledge of the subject?
• Will this information be useful to your project?

February Second Tuesday talks

The Second Tuesday Group SKYPEs went well this week. We had a mix of students from across the modules. It is really useful to talk to people who have just done the module you are on or who are a step a head of you so you can see where things are leading. We talked from UK, China, Germany and USA.
We were:
http://ehbutterfly.blogspot.co.uk
http://ionaholland.blogspot.co.uk
http://pipspalton.blogspot.co.uk
http://julia-v-gil.blogspot.de
Lucy Jennings and
Ruth Woods
Visit their blogs and say hi too.

We talked about the anxiety of getting started. Trying to avoid the idea of 'confusion' and embrace the idea of 'not knowing yet'. If you are going to have a genuine  learning experience you are very likely not to know where it will end. You can't know the end at the beginning or you wouldn't be learning anything new. We talked about how if you are feeling 'confused': work out specific questions or identify particular issues rather than just see the whole thing as 'confusing'.

For Module Two we talked about how you do not need a specific question at this point just a bit of an idea of the general area you are in. Also that the word 'question' does not mean something to answer. But 'question' in the sense of something you what to know more about.

Tips people talked about were:

• Look at other peoples blogs especially blogs from people who have just finished the module you are on now. 
• Read the whole Reader/Handbook first so you get an overview of the whole module. You can just skim-read just to get the overall picture. 
• Work little and often don't wait to the 'end' to get everything done.
• Work out your time management across the term
• Work with peers

The next group SKYPEs are Tuesday March 11th, 11am (London time) and 8:45 (London time)

Second Coffee shop SKYPE group meeting

Hi
This Tuesday (February 11th) are our SKYPE group meetings
One is at 11am and a second one at 8:45pm
They are really a great way to exchange ideas and find out more about the course and how others are getting on with the tasks.
If you are going to join in make sure I have your SKYPE address by sending me a request. All you have to do is be on-line at the time. But you can send me an email to let me know you are joining in too or leave a comment. Hope to speak to you Tuesday.
Adesola
:)

Just saw my blog post last week did not post properly so here it is again:
Welcome back to BAPP. …..Now I lost the whole post!!!
But I was basically saying looking forward to working with everyone this term. Now is the time to look at feedback if you are returning. And if you are new, have a look at other peoples blogs to see what people have said and done before you.

Adesola !!