Information Management Resource Kit - Summary of Lessons

Unit 1.  Social Media for Development
Lessons
1.1  Introduction to Web 2.0 and Social Media
1.2  Social Networking Sites and Communities
1.3  Privacy, Intellectual Property and access to Social Media
1.4  Current Issues and New Ideas

Unit 2.  Social Media Tools and Services
Lessons
2.1 Group Productivity and Collaboration Tools
2.2  Hosted Services
2.3  Subscriptions, Feeds and Syndication
2.4  Tagging and Social Bookmarking
2.5  Blogging and Microblogging
2.6  Online Video and Image Sharing
2.7  Podcasting and Online Radio

Lessons
1.1 Introduction to Web 2.0 and Social Media

Web 2.0 Learning Opportunity - My Personal Experience

"If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas."

George Bernard Shaw

The picture above summerises the potentials of WEB 2.0 as I see it.   During this week, thanks to the team of trainers, my good friend Krishan Bheenick and the CTA, I was able to discover the exponential potential of Web 2.0.  The case studies distributed via gmail prior to the course was indeed an eye opener.  I have been using almost all the tools but I never saw the potential.

As our trainer, Mr kamleshwar Boodhoo, says after each introduction of a tool .... "the beauty is in using it".  I agree with him, the beauty is in fact in the productivity gain for oneself and the exponential gain for all others whose life will be simpler.

A simple but daunting question that I needed to reflect upon after each session and almost imposed everyday by Mr Sembhoo:  How will I use each tool? 

During the practical sessions I was already busy trying the tools.  Searching on Google, Email Alerts, RSS feeds etc was simply for personal productivity gain.  But the potential of using Google Documents was an instantaneous productivity tool for me.  I created a feedback sheet on a FORM for all the trainers working for my project ELIT(English Literacy using IT) which I am conducting with the partnership of Microsoft and eInclusion Foundation for 11 NGOs who have registered on the project.  I have 15 trainers registered on my google group and to my surprise, on the same day 2 trainers gave me their feedback.  And WOW, it was already compiled on a spreadsheet  ... no extra work ... no need to compile each email ...this is simply being SMART and productive!!

I also conduct the training of trainers for the ELIT course and seeing the potential of WIKI ... I have already started developing support materials in term of lesson plans for my ELIT trainers to use.  Though I am on the first one this week, I guess by the end of this month I should have the wiki loaded with at least the lessons plans for the 40 sessions.  What could be a better tool for standardising the course than the WIKI.  The best thing about it is that the trainers themselves will be able to modify my lesson plans and put in their practical experience.  WOW .... it's really wonderful!!

Ms  Nawsheen Hosenally has shown us how she uses her WIKIs to manage her projects...Managing 11 NGOs along with the partners will surely be my next test on WIKI.  The tremendous resources on WIKI EDUCATOR will be of great assistance in my project.

Of course, this blog is going to be my repository of ideas for sharing and growth as shown in my picture above.  I have been sent to the course by my organisation,the National Productivity and Competitiveness Council(NPCC) and requested by Krishan Bheenick to assist the community of farmers in using the Web 2.0 .... so I have been thinking a lot during this week and my idea will be on the blog in the near future!

Productivity Issues in Mauritius

  Productiviy = SMART Work