Web 2.0

Web 2.0
Welcome to the adlCommunity-hosted Web 2.0 section. In addition to fostering a community based learning environment, this section focuses on keeping you informed with the rapidly evolving Web 2.0 world and the potentials to improve learning found within.

With links to current blogs and events this section will keep you up to date in real time, as well as providing essential information about everything from widgets to social bookmarking and RSS.

Check back often for important Web 2.0 tools in our Weekly Tool topic.

Weekly Featured Tool

This week’s tool is: ProfCast

What is ProfCast? ProfCast is a podcasting tool specifically geared towards creating enchanced lecture recordings. ProfCast features live presentation recording, synchronization of slides with audio, Keynote and PowerPoint support, RSS generation, as well as publishing support. All parts of any given presentation are recorded, providing a rich supplement to regular classroom activities.

Why is ProfCast significant? The significance of ProfCast comes from the combination of ease of use and versatility. Not only does ProfCast enable the user to record all aspects of a presentation, it makes the process simple and intuitive. A facilitator would need very little knowledge of computers and technology to record a fully featured lecture and provide it to students.

How can ProfCast be used for learning? Lectures and live presentations of any kind can be recorded and used as learning supplements, primary learning material, or archived for later use.

How much does ProfCast cost to use? ProfCast has a retail price of $59.95, and starts at $29.95 for academic purchases with price breaks based on the number of copies bought. Currently ProfCast only runs on the Mac OS.

Blogs
You can’t have Web 2.0 without blogs. Not only do blogs provide commentary, news, and opinion, but they are a quintessential example of what Web 2.0 actually is due to reliance on constant web based participation. Important blogs that focus on Web 2.0 can be found here, as well as commentary and analysis about the world of blogs.

Events
This topic contains upcoming Web 2.0 conferences and events. These could be conferences which focus entirely on Web 2.0 technology and information or learning industry events that include significant Web 2.0 content. Feel free to email us with additional suggestions for events you would like to see included here.

Social Networks
An integral part of Web 2.0, social networks facilitate learning, social exchange, and overall connectedness between users. This topic highlights social networking platforms that we think are worth taking a look at. In addition, check back for articles and commentary related to social networking sites and companies.

Tagging, Social Bookmarking, and RSS
Information on various Web 2.0 tagging, social bookmarking, and RSS applications can be found here.

Widgets
Resources focused on widgets can be found in this topic.

Wikis
Find information about Wikis here.