Google Calendar was handy on a personal level, as its flexible structure allowed easy manipulation of events and saved on paper. Randomly testing out the tool, clicking on most things resulted in a response, usually to edit that field and so it felt very intuitive. However, even though it was used to basically plot out time for doings, it ended up being used more as a journal, to keep track of what had been done. Whilst working on an assignment, the hours studied were recorded into the calendar; mainly as a reassurance that time had been spent on the assignment, despite time to word ratio. The addition of other peoples calendars didn’t prove beneficial, but in terms of trying to organising group projects in the future, it could be a useful tool. The only provisos being everyone would have to maintain their calendar and clarify whether the periods left vacant were for leisure or available for work purposes. In this respect, it’s more effective as personal tool than social tool.
At first, Twitter seemed pointless, given Facebook had the same device mixed in with the rest of its
Ignoring the inconsistencies in working between Word and Blogger, it was interesting how different the approach to writing and submitting became, knowing that all people in the course could possibly read and comment on it. This also changed the composition of the presentation, as it had to be catered to a wider audience. Because of it’s blog presentation, the motivation to present something interesting to read, and to inject some form of personality into the piece is a driving force, so that it is not just another report with the same facts as everyone else. Unfortunately, if the subject is not particularly interesting to the author, the content may only reflect sarcasm.
Usually submissions are seen by the lecturer, tutors and possibly family members for proof-reading. Their marks and remarks can be taken on-board and learned from. With peer assessment, this leaves the window open for constructive, non-constructive and/or abusive comments. One comment could change the entire way the topic is viewed and result in the report being re-written. A waste of time, or a success in social technology…?
Reading already posted blogs is also an interesting aspect. It can either induce motivation or lethargy, depending on the standard of their readers personal blog standard.
This all depends on anyone reading or feeling the need to comment on the blog. If no comments are received, it does not determine the validity of the content. In fact, the more outrageous the blog, the more infuriated comments may be incited. In the interests of a social and mobile study of web tools, which would prove more fruitful?
A big part of an effective social tool is its ability to be used in a way that is fun and enjoyable for all participators. This is based on the tools actually being redundant in use unless it does provide some form of entertainment or hold and interest for anyone. In class it was mentioned that if everyone was made to sit down and Twitter in a formal setting, it wouldn’t have been as popular as it has become. Blogger is a way of publishing any opinion waiting to be said, regardless of the validity of the piece… doesn’t necessarily guarantee it will be heard/read. Google Calendar was the least social tool in this context; it was probably made for people who are incredibly busy and all collaborate through google applications.
The biggest test will be to see what tools continue to be used outside of uni course requirements.
