Blog #2 Research and the Reflective Practitioner

This exploration of the world of web 2.0 possibilities and opportunities is an invaluable process that will have long term implications on how I view the programs and applications that are available. When you look below the surface and see what some people are doing with what may have been seen as a superficial use of technology, you can begin to understand the enormous potential that is there to really collaborate with a worldwide group of peers.

The research experience has motivated me to find how I can share the tools with others in the teaching and collaboration process. The challenge is, as always is the case, getting others to participate, explore and then evaluate it's effectiveness. Finding ways to motivate others to change the methods by which they have become accustomed to operating is a challenge in unto itself, but to add getting adult learners to adopt new technology is an added challenge. None the less, the value of what could be accomplished with the application of some of these tools is far greater than any adjustment period some may have to go through. What is also gained in the collaborative process is the power of the group, not only on the product being produced but on the members of the collaboration, it encourages others to participate because other members of the group are doing it. Anonymity is not possible in a group exercise even if the participants are not physically together.