Thing 17: Podcasting

I explored www.podcast.com and www.podcastalley.com the most. Of the two, I think that the first (www.podcast.com) definitely provides users with more explorability and related options. I found and listened to "Mugglecast" on podcastalley.com. In addition to this, two of my patrons bestowed upon me the task of checking out the "Twilighters Anonymous" podcast, so you know that this has been added to my link list @ my sidebar.

I think that this is an awesome tool, and I think that the younger generation(s) have a great tool at the tips of their fingers. Recently, my computer has had some issues, so it tends to have its slower moments, which is frustrating to someone who is so used to always being on the go and having things right now when it comes to internet speed. Therefore, I'm a bit discouraged (especially timewise) as to creating my own podcasts. Again, I think that it's definitely a worthwhile tool. As far as subscribing is concerned, I might add these to my facebook account, but I'm wary because podcastalley required a download. Again, with my computer having the trouble that it did, I'm not really encouraged to do so.

=-D

Thing 11: Social Media

I am ambivalent about this thing called Social Media. On one hand, it's great to know that you can come to one location and peruse these sites for all your media and news-related needs. On the other hand, there are so much information, and you have to wade through the sources to determine which ones you prefer or which ones are credible/reliable. Therefore, on a personal level, these websites can enhance your productivity because they serve as tools to bring together various sources and articles. I also like the fact that you can provide your own comments, share articles with "friends" on your account, and manipulate your account to best suit your needs. On a professional or research level, they can serve as a detractor because you have to spend time determining what is credible/reliable.

These tools can be used as a bank to store pertinent articles in one location, and users can communicate with each other (recommending, commenting, etc.). On that note, I did end up reading two articles. The first focused on whether or not television and DVD programming affected the cognitive and traditional progressive (ie - talking and developing words) development of babies. The second article discussed the trial and the judgement of a Harry Potter actor's (Character: Marcus Belby) murderer.