[ed298] My Web2.0 Diary, part 1 of 5

For my ed298 class I am chronicaling my journey using web 2.0 technologies and how they build communities. The tools I'm choosing to follow include: Second Life, ChinaPod, Eyespot and Wetpaint. Now here comes the hard part. I have to choose only two. Here are today's finalists:

CHINESEPOD
Content knowledge: This website is for people who want to learn Mandarin Chinese. This week I'm learning how to talk about free time by listening to an mp3. I've been introduced to 4 new words and a couple patterns. They have a unique way of breaking down the lesson.

People knowledge: As far as people, the site attracts people who are at varied levels of language proficiency as well as those with different motivations for learning Chinese such as business people students and parents who are adopting.

Technical Knowledge: My technical knowledge hasn't been challenged much so far. It does make me want to find cool sound effects and buy an Ipod to make my own podcasts. The community has a low barrier to participation. All you need is browser-skills.

Norms: As for norms the community is particular about pronunciation and often provides additional cultural and personal insight. The community will correct the producers and one another.

Identity: Right now my identity is as lurker. I am considering signing up for a subscription. I am a non-character reading beginner so I imagine I'll feel a bit out of place. In the physical world I'm at the top of my conversational Chinese class but in this bigger more diverse community I'm a newb. It will be interesting to watch how my behavior changes.


SECOND LIFE
Content knowledge: Second life is a virtual world where residents can create an avatar and whatever they want. I am part of an educator's community. I've learned a lot about the challenges of delivering learning in a virtual world. This week I'm visiting a Hallucination simulation in Sedig. I'm learning how people with schizophrenia experience the world.

People knowledge: Second life is so huge 200K+ residents that you have to external communication tools like a website or mailing list to keep track of a smaller group.

Technical knowledge: To research the Second life as an education platform I've had to learn how to capture and edit video, customize my avatar, manipulate the camera and navigate the universe.

Norms: The norm in second life seems to be openness and sharing. People generally will share knowledge and enjoy showing off their creations. They do have a police blotter to account miscreants.

Identity: Right now I'm a bald, heavy-set man wearning suspenders in the game. At a click of a button I can be a robot. Though it's changed the way I see identity because anyone can be anything, ironically I still worry about what I'm going to wear.