EK math

For Thing #13, I elected to learn about tags.  I have seen the term in various places but never knew very much about it.  It seems tagging is a filing system for cyber space!  The online presentation I viewed was titled “I Like Delicious Things:  An Introduction to Tagging and Folksonomies”, and the presenter was Chris Betcher.  I thought his presentation was very well done, and I now have a reasonable handle on this organization tool called “tagging”.

I had originally thought it was only for pictures, but I was mistaken and soon found it could be used in other situations as well.  What a versatile tool this can be.  Like Mr. Betcher, I enjoyed the comment from the lady who wished to tag her closet!  If only it were that easy (picking outfits, that is!).  Nevertheless, tagging can be personal while at the same time be quite public, with others sharing what you have tagged.  I enjoyed seeing how one’s selection of descriptors for tags could grow and create tag clouds, and how they can give insight into the creator.  The graphics created from tags was a powerful visual in one’s personal tag experiences. The presidents’ speeches illustration was especially interesting.

I often talk with my students about organization – it seems to be a weak area for many of them, even at the upper level.  I am thinking that this could be useful for them.  I think it could be useful for me in organizing the learning materials for the various classes I teach.

I am not sure that I really like online professional development, though it does have its advantages.  It is available at any time one is ready, and it affords the presenter a wealth of tools for the presentation. And you can always back up – as many times as you wish!