Thursday 8 November 2007

Give me a 'learning' network anyday

A few of the following thoughts crossed my mind as a title for this blog. What is the point of this blog? (not in a sarcastic way), what is the purpose of this blog? I ask these questions because i am wondering whether another vehicle i.e a ning social networking site would be a far far better option to better foster debate and discussion on the many interesting blog entries that are posted.

My assumption is that a lot of the blog posts are initiated to stimulate interest, discussion and maybe illicit a response. The comment feature i believe is inadequate to encourage debate and don't think it has really designed for that purpose.

If this blog is just about relaying information then this can be done just as easily on a ning social network environment with all the added benefits of further developing arguments and discussions.

I don't know what the dynamics or the chemistry involved are but these easily created personalized ning social networking sites have an interface that seems to encourage interaction and collaboration amongst its participants.

If as part of the project this blog is a stipulated part of the disseminating of information then my view is that with the advent of social networking the blogging approach has been superseded by a much more flexible, usable and multifunctional option - the personalized 'learning' network.

1 comment:

Steve Mackenzie said...

Just a thought - The DMU Staff Portal could be transformed from a series of web links and textual information to a vibrant buzzing, constantly changing portal that will connect people, gather opinion, allow for broadcast of message with feedback. As a starting point 'wedge' a discussion board forum onto the front page, then 'wedge' blog posts from those that have messages to broadcast.

ps: wedging is that a web2.0 term :-)