Podclass Technology to Bring Education into Social Networks

Podclass to Bring Education into Social Networks. (July 30, 2008). Entertainment Close-up, p.NA. Retrieved August 08, 2008, from General OneFile via Gale:

http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS

The article Podclass to Bring Education into Social Networks describes how an application programming interface named Podclass will converge online learning and social networking. Podclass will allow internet users to access their online courses through Facebook and other social networking sites. "A library user might find library resources and a librarian presence in Facebook where services and resources are discussed: follow links to articles and sites via tags at del.icio.us and leave a comment: and-at the point of need-find a librarian available to talk and answer questions via a Meebo Me embedded within a search page." (Stephens 14). This application will appeal to many students since social networking already makes up such a significant portion of their online lives. This application is revolutionary and can only enhance an online student's experience. "The concept of 'a continuing quest for improvement' can also be applied to learning and using new technologies that can enhance and further our work as well." (Stephens 13).

Since technology is always improving and evolving, it's necessary that online learning incorporate these new technologies in order to have an enhanced and up-to-date online experience. The Web has become a "social library", and many internet users look for information virtually in a social environment, where information is easily accessible.

Stephen's article The Ongoing Web Revolution is essentially about how the internet is in constant flux and the Library and Information Science field has grown to embrace those changes and incorporate them into their field. "Over the years, librarians have used various mechanisms for social interaction and knowledge exchange, from our publications, conferences, and symposia to the online forums and mailing lists such as PUBLIB in the 1990s. With the advent of the new 2.0 technologies, the mechanisms for

social interaction and the dissemination of information have improved."(Stephens 13). Similarly in the article Podclass to Bring Education into Social Networks, the fusion of online learning and technological advances, and their significance is discussed.

Ultimately, both articles emphasize the necessity of using the Web as a medium for effective online learning. The future of information lies social networking and its collaboration with information. The purpose of this union is primarily to facilitate the distribution of information, by making it appealing and easily accessible to internet users.