Blog Post #6

Over the past couple of weeks, I was introduced to the Web 2.0 tool known as Diigo which is a research tool that curates a knowledge-sharing community. At first, I found Diigo to be slightly difficult to operate because the instructions are not apparent but after continued use one becomes acclimated. In addition, the free version of Diigo appears to be quite limited in function but is sufficient for the course. However, I have enjoyed learning how to use this program and have begun to realize its advantages in sharing fruitful information. I found the highlighting and notes functions of Diigo to be helpful in identifying the most important statements of articles. 

 Prior to this course, I had never personally designed or participated in a blog and always perceived them as individual diaries. After curating my own blog, my opinion of them has changed and revolves around the belief that blogs provide individuals with the ability to share their knowledge as well as experiences with the world. Thus, blogging about one's personal experiences can actually help others and raise awareness to certain causes while empowering individuals. Most importantly, I believe that blogging improves the writing skills of users as they explore different styles of writing while receiving feedback. Also, blogs provide an avenue for like-minded as well as different individuals to connect and communicate. For many individuals including myself, it can be daunting to reveal their personal feelings and attitudes on the internet but blogging fosters creativity as well as a sense of security online. Despite the many positives of blogging, there are multiple negatives such as its ability to distract individuals from other activities and it is rather time consuming.

An interesting Web 2.0 tool that I would utilize as an educator is Canvas which is a course management system that enhances online learning and teaching. In my opinion, Canvas is an extremely helpful tool for students that helps to organize assignments and course materials. Canvas allows for students and their educators to be in constant communication while creating as well as dispersing a wide range of resources that are centrally located. Thus, resources as well as communications can be shared in a collaborative nature further connecting students and teachers. In addition, Canvas is a goal oriented platform that helps maintain students as well as teachers focus. However, there are multiple downfalls to every Web 2.0 tool including Canvas which include technical problems and issues with the correlated parent app. Also, if professors designate an assignments due date as midnight it will be immediately erased from the system. From my experience as a student and interactions with my professors, all find Canvas to be an extremely useful system that provides benefits to every user.  

Link to Canvas: https://www.instructure.com/canvas