Thing 6

The Web 2.o Awards Site contains many interesting options. I have previously used several other of the listed websites, so I chose www.digg.com to explore. I joined the website and followed the link in my email account back to the members section. Digg.com allows for searches in numerous topic areas. It allows for blogging, reading, and searches for podcasts. 

I like the flexibility of the website and searched for several topics including technology on the web, and a particular favorite of mine, the dot mobi web. As an instructional technology student, I plan to develop an educational website using the mobi high end user applications program for people like me who carry a web-enabled cell phone. Many websites now offer content in the mobile phone format. 

Once I purchased my phone, the Blackjack II, I quickly learned that many websites are not mobile phone friendly, and will not allow for efficient searching or displays. I started using my phone to search for topics and used mobi, as a primary search variable. I was quickly directed to several high quality websites that offer the mobi format. I saved each one that I liked in my favorites section of the phone. 

My favorite search engines for educational purposes are www.ask.com and the new site, www.cuil.com, that offers valid content over advertising promotional .com sites located by Google. Using these websites I investigated this mobi style website format. I believe that in the future that students will use their phones to view podcasts, watch PowerPoint with Flash multimedia, download assignments, perform keyboarding functions, create graphic content, do quizzes, and upload assignments to the school server all by using an educational application on their cell phones using mobi technology.

I viewed a PowerPoint type presentation that I accessed using Digg.com that illustrated and explained the technology that drives Digg. I next searched for a podcast that I may consider using with my students in public speaking class. The Digg program quickly located an interesting selection, and I was able to access the podcast. I listened to the CEO of a highly successful company describe how he overcame his personal anxieties associated with his duties as a public speaker as I scanned MSN for the latest economic news. I was able to multitask two items at once. 

Next, I used Digg to locate a current political blog from Newsweek.com, and once I completed the article, I waded into the fray with a blog of my own. I linked the blog back to my Blogger website and my personal account. The link was quick and easy and I was able to complete my thoughts in about twenty minutes. 

My discovery tour of Digg was interesting, challenging, and enjoyable. I searched, learned, and debated using my blogging skills.