Because of a virus attack while downloading a program for Delicious, I decided not to use it. However, it seems to be very useful.

First, I do use multiple computers for my research. I do not want to bring around my laptop and prefer using public computers in library when I need to find articles through internet. If I can use Delicious, I would not need to search all over again in a new computer.
Second, I usually sent out web links to my husband for review. My husband lives in Korea and is very busy and away of technology (he is a surgeon). So I get some information for him especially when he plans conference participation. He also sends me links for review. I am familiar with traveling the US and not in conference in this field and my husband is ignorant of how to travel in the US on the other hand. Instant messaging is another option, but it is also not easy to sit in front of computers at the same time. And his hospital blocks the tow-way communication application in computers. Delicious could be a solution for us.

I hope that the virus issue is resolved soon. However, I doubt I use that application through my own computer. I will try it one day through public computer. ;-)

Web 2.0 log

This week I have explored Flickr. Since I am relatively ignorant of web technology, I am not sure how this is any better than Picasa. I am a big fan of Picasa. Of course it is not really a web 2.0 application since viewers do not have access to edit. In addition, I might not explore fully the features of Flickr and how picture sharing could be educational. Unlike documents, pictures seem to be shared in personal and relationship purpose on the web. It might be partly this society is language-based rather than image-based.

However, it could be used for group project where pictures have impacts. Team members can view and act together for work done for pictures just like team members do when they are physically together.

At this point, I have a question. Are the web 2.0 applications exclusively enough for group work? Or could it be best when it used as a part of team work? I have been feeling lonely and isolated for this class. I am not confident if I am on the track. I am curious how better I am engaged in online class than offline class. Am I feel comfortable to talk to and work with people only online? Are digital natives can work same or better online exclusively? Am I too old-fashioned?

All the applications that we have dealt in the class have wonderful features but I am not sure if these are complete for cooperative learning and problem solving. I am a counselor. In fact, there was time that I was good at computer. I thought as technology develops people would have less contact with other people, so professionals can offer humanistic touch will be crucial in the future since people need contacts with others for certain level. That’s one of the reasons that I become a counselor. I still belive human beings need to physically be in touch with others. I think web 2.0 applications cannot completely substitute for physical get-together but they would be very good tools filling up some gaps that could found in physical meetings.