FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2009
BP6_2009112_Social Bookmarking
Several years ago my school librarian asked me if I knew anyone that could use the card catalog cabinet that housed the index cards of all
the books in the library and their location. They were going high tech putting all that information on the computer! I thought it would make a nifty hardware cabinet for nuts, bolts, washers and screws (ex Metal Shop teacher mentality).
One article I found in the publication Library Journal discussed the need of librarians to take the computerized index card scenario to the next level by incorporating social bookmarking and tagging as a means of helping librarians bridge the gap between the library's need to offer authoritative, well-organized information and their patrons' web experience (Rethlefsen, September 2007). Librarians found that patrons regularly preferred the user-friendly search features of Google compared to the typically rigid research methodologies employed by libraries across the nation. In order to meet the needs of their patrons and still provide valid, viable sources, they have turned to social bookmarking products such as Deli.cio.us creating links on their websites so patrons can find information on any number of topics just by clicking on a tag. These tags are replacing or supplementing traditional subject guides and pathfinders.
Rethlefsen, M. (2007, September 15). Social Bookmarking and tagging boost participation. Library Journal. Retrieved November 6, 2009, from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6476403.html
With millions of websites available at the click of a mouse, the capability of social bookmarking provides educators a time saving advantage by narrowing down useful sites for their programs. Though helpful, the site lists generated through the tagging process may provide information that is either too divergent or overwhelming (information overload).
Will Richardson (2008, August 1), “Learner in Chief” at Connective Learning and the author of Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms gave some insight that may be useful to educators. He notes “Where I have had more success, at least in managing the flow, is in subscribing to trusted sources…” In doing so he limits the number of additional sources added as a result of the tagging process. This may be a useful concept as newcomers to social bookmarking.
Richardson, W. (2008, August 1), Tags vs. trusted sources. Weblogg-ed. Retrieved November 7, 2009 from
http://weblogg-ed.com/2005/08/02/
The role of Delicious in Education
Creating Significant Learning Experiences
I found an extremely detailed and thorough lecture/paper written by Gabriela Grosseck, Ph.D., a senior lecturer with the University of West Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania. This paper approaches Delicious as a social bookmarking Web 2.0 tool from an educator’s perspective. It begins with setting up an account, continues with advantages and disadvantages of Delicious, and gives viable reasons why Delicious can support both teaching and learning. Check it out.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2413801/The-Role-of-Delicious-in-Education
POSTED BY CMILLS AT 7:40 AM
1 COMMENTS:
Toni McBride said...
@ Chuck, I have to admit, I am one of those who would rather use a google search on-line over the libraries search system. Tagging makes it much easier to find information you are looking for. The school I work at does not have social bookmarking although they are changing their system to be available on-line for students to utilize anywhere. I do know that they have added electronic books to their catalog...
When I first heard of social bookmarking, I didn't have an opinion either way, it was just another thing on the web. Boy do I feel like such a typical dinosaur.
Now, of course I am an advocate for social bookmarking. I have been speaking to my department supervisor about incorporating something for our department and helping me to allow the powers that be to open up the bookmarking site's URL for student access. (it's blocked currently because it is a form of social networking-like Facebook).
Thank you for the information on the use of social bookmarking in the libraries, I will be having a discussion or tow with our media specialists about the updates that could be added to the system when they go online.
I feel so popular since I have started courses at Full Sail, I can see it in everyone's eyes that they can't wait to hear what we should be doing next to bring our school into the 21st Century for educating our future. ;p
NOVEMBER 8, 2009 2:57 PM
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