Web 2.0 & Podcasting where is this heading??

Web 2.0 is primarily dependent on user participation and user generated content, in which users are in control of creating, managing and editing information. RSS feeding, blogs, wikis, podcasts and other web 2.0 applications make up the various components of web 2.0.
http://www.paulgraham.com/web20interview.html

Web 2.0 refers to the new methods of making the web a much more interactive space to web users. The unique attributes of web 2.0 are social networking and collaboration. Web 2.0 uses web applications to create and harness value through mass user participation and generation of content. Web 2.0 applications are unique because of their steady growth and improvement as a result of mass user interaction, participation and generation of content. Indeed, users interact with web 2.0 applications, assist with their improvement and are considered part of the collective intelligence on the web, which are connected to one another to make the services better and more responsive. Library 2.0 is the latest addition of Web 2.0 effects on information services. Library 2.0 is a web application that allows interactivity, collaboration and the use of diverse multimedia tools to web based library services and collections. According to a research report, technology firms such as Microsoft and IBM are embracing web 2.0. Microsoft plans to contain blog and wiki applications in Microsoft Office, while IBM is creating a product called Dogear particularly for tagging and social bookmarking that will be included in IBM Lotus Connections. http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/187_03_060807/mcl10181_fm.html

In addition, Web 2.0 eases the user online learning experience more than ever. According to a research, Web 2.0 applications are mind tools that seek users to regularly interact and collaborate in their creation of knowledge to help them gain powerful learning experiences. Web 2.0 applications have the potential to bring learners across the globe together in participatory learning communities. Indeed, students living in a socially and culturally rich environment are more likely to learn best as a result of having peers who are determined to achieve similar goals. Hence, both sides assess and regulate one another’s performance. In summary, web 2.0 is the future.

Whereas, podcasting has become very widely used in medical school curriculums, across the globe, for lectures, textbook chapters, and even for downloadable libraries of high resolution respiratory sounds. New England journal of medicine podcasts, John Hopkins medicine podcasts and the ABC radio’s podcasts are the most prominent medicine podcasts online.
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/187_03_060807/mcl10181_fm.html#0_pgfId-1091906

Podcasts are predicted to construct educational facilities to present full media presentations to students that lead to more interaction with technology. In fact, students could be permitted to use media as a learning tool through podcasting. In addition, podcasts might also allow them to take online tests by the podcast linked to testing software, therefore easing the process of taking tests electronically. Currently, various schools and institutes offer interactive courses online and soon they may distribute them through podcasting.
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Future-of-Podcasting&id=349327

Firstshowing.net Blog Review

http://www.firstshowing.net/

Firstshowing.net is the one of the most complete blog sites that targets young people, adults and filmaholics. Firstshowing.net blog seeks to address various issues such as, up to date film news, fascinating and enjoyable entertainment information, easy to read information, good writing, personal and public voice, rapid response and the use of various multi-media contents.

http://www.firstshowing.net/movie-news/

The blog provides useful news and information regarding films and theatre events. It contains a film review section for web users to write and rate their favorite and latest films. The blog provides movie trailers for the latest films in the market. Also, it provides a release schedule for the upcoming films so users can be well informed about the latest and newest films in production. The blog provides the latest movie news articles from firstshowing.net site and other blog sites as well. That way, the blog site presents its users with news and entertainment information from its personal voice and other voices around. The blog site contains various multi-media contents to keep its users entertained. For instance, firstshowing.net allows its users to access and download mp3 podcast episodes of HypeCast. The blog has its own search engine to make the user experience more convenient and efficient. The blog exercises the option for its users to subscribe to the blogs’ RSS Feed. Thus, blog users will be up to date with the latest news on films and firstshowing.net blog. In addition, the blog contains a contact and about us sections. The blog seems interested in always hearing back from their users regarding the blog and how it can be improved to enhance the users’ experience. Plus, the blog satisfies the curiosity of those interested in the identity, and some background information, of the blog authors. In terms of advertisements, the blog allows Google advertisers to provide their text ads on the blog site. Others include Media temple and FightCast. As a result, the blog links its users to other blogs, sites and ads so that blog users are exposed to the personal voice of this blog and other blog voices around the web. Plus, the visual design of the blog is eye-catching and, therefore, complements the overall theme of the blog.

http://www.firstshowing.net/podcasts/

What is the biggest issue facing blogging, citizenship and the future of media?

I believe the biggest issue facing blogging, citizenship and the future of media is, primarily, privacy. Indeed, anonymous information about the blogger or the person that is posting online can be easily collected and revealed to identify specific details about the identity of the blogger. I’ve known some friends who were quite surprised by how easily their identity on the web can be revealed even through the anonymous information they presented to web sites. For instance, I’ve experienced 2 different kinds of websites regarding the type of questions they require you to supply them with in order to complete your free registration to their free services. One website requires a person’s name and address, the other asks for the person’s date of birth, location and postal code. Overtime, I’ve noticed that by providing my birthday, location and postal code, I am, therefore, supplying them with some key identifiable information about my identity on the web.

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/websec2/chapter/ch08.html

The privacy issue on the web can lead to harsh consequences. I’ve had my cousin get a warning from her boss for posting her opinion and emotions, regarding her employer, on her blog. On other hand, there have been a number of employees who has been sacked after criticizing their employers and aspects of their work environment on blogs.

http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/catherine_sanderson/2007/04/blogger_beware.html

As a matter of fact, I’ve come to acknowledge that, recently, employers are beginning to use the Internet as a tool to check the Internet footprint of prospect employees before considering hiring one. They do so by checking the prospect employee’s Internet footprint. Internet footprint can be usually collected from an individual’s previous posts on blogs, YouTube and social networking sites. As a result, I’ve come to a conclusion that, making and writing a blog under an anonymous name or even a fake name with false personal information isn’t completely the appropriate method of free speech online.

http://www.gradplus.com/news/graduate-job-hunters-urged-to-watch-their-internet-footprint.aspx

http://wdsc.wordpress.com/2007/05/03/implications-of-your-internet-footprint/