Did I Really Learn Something?

Yes, I did.
I actaully count a smallest piece of new information in a day as a learning experience and by the end of a day this smallest unit becomes a bigger one while adding with other small units. I felt good when I added my new discussion topic in my current online course in a blog format. Yes, something small but an addition in my practice of distance learning.
This week was busier than the previous one with checking assignments, participating in discussion groups, and updating gradebooks. I did not hear from others a lot during this week and want to see more postings in journals and wiki.
Making an account at Wetpaint wiki was easy. I just followed the directions and get there. Watching ytube video was helpful. I like the idea of making a camping plan using wiki. Best for coordination while making a plan. As we have a family get together in BC next Summer, I will use wiki to collaborate with other families on wiki’s forum. It will be fun!

What is Wiki?
From Website: "The simplest online database that could possibly work. Wiki is a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. Wiki supports hyperlinks and has a simple text syntax for creating new pages and crosslinks between internal pages on the fly. Like many simple concepts, "open editing" has some profound and subtle effects on Wiki usage. Allowing everyday users to create and edit any page in a Web site is exciting in that it encourages democratic use of the Web and promotes content composition by non technical users."

Tagging and Wiki-ing

Tagging on del.icio.us is fun, its quick and easy, which is quickly replacing my favourites from the computer. I am still exploring how to make my tags more organized and trying to create bundles to put similar pages together. Jut realized that tags don't accept spaces. When I tagged "Class Roster", "class" AND "roster" became two separate tags. Anyways, I am on my way to organize recommended webpages in separate bundles to use for my online courses next semester. Will recommend my students to use it even when they are using WebCT mode.

Already had my wetpaint account on Friday but having some issues with my username and got a new one today. Talking a lot about Wiki at home (viki is my nephew in UK) and my twins always correct me that its "Wiki" not "viki". Never mind, talk to Viki soon and talk about Wiki in few days.

Social Bookmarking Video

Just watched the Social Bookmarking video and found it helpful. I realized that completing the assigned work of the week in order (1,2,3,4...) will help me to be more organized and better understand the contents covered.

My first week with CIS236

The first week was kind of confusing with the course starting-cancelling-starting dilemma. Tuesday and Wednesday were hectic in course registration process, running around for chair and instructor's signature, fee waiver process etc. Thursday and Friday were busy with exploring new horizons within Google course page. However, I am relaxed now that its over, I am on my way to explore and learn about the new technology. Knowing the depth and width of Google applications is amazing. I am glad that I had done with my ongoing online classes grading and gradebook updates over the last week and had enough time to work on my newly registered class.
Some mini achievements of the week: getting gmail account, making a profile, getting to know the instructor and "some" other class mates (looking forward for more introductions),setting up a del.icio.us account (I love tagging my favourites), setting up a URL for course journal with group members' and my daughter's help (still having some concerns). Knowing wiki, blogs, and wetpaint were beneficial. There is no special reason for selecting this particular technology for my course journal. I just tried it and adopted it. Will try some other technologies later.
Going to watch the youtube video to complete the first assignments requirements and hoping to get something from it.