#8 iGoogle

Such great fun setting up iGoogle - just need more time to play with it and see what else it offers. Great being able to personalise the page and have info at my finertips instead of having to search different web pages. Does appear to be a bit messy but i think that is more my inadequacies in setting it up than Google needing to improve. Hopefully, over time, I will be able to improve the look! All of the Web 2 applications have been fun - just need to find more time to work with them and get to know the capabilities - both my capabilities and those of Web 2! I am hoping that when we have been through everything I will be inspired to go back and explore each area more.

Google looks an amazing place to work. All those perks makes you wonder how any work does get done! But then I guess the opportunity of working with like-minded people would be stimulation in itself. Wonder if this type of setup would be as successful in other work places or if it is the nature of the work at Google that gets people excited.

#7 Google Books

Working in a Library has meant that I have used Google Books previously. Still had a look at the Read about Google Books and did a couple of searches. Looked for a childhood favourite and found it but only as a preview - not the whole book. Fantastic resource really when you think about it - a huge world wide catalogue! Particularly love

1. the availability of whole texts for those out of copyright, in the Public Domain, Publisher permission, etc. and
2. the fact that you are given availability through booksellers of those you wish to purchase.

Yes I definitely would, and already do, use this in my work situation. And yes, sometimes from home.

#6 Google Maps

Have used Google Maps before but was not aware of the Edit and Add features. My work place was in the wrong location so was able to edit and ask for an email to be sent to me to advise when changes have been made. Also noted that our house, which was built 2 years ago, was not on the map - the address was listed but the image showed an empty block so obviously the satellite images are not up to date. Have used the get directions before and usually found them very useful.

#5 Google Docs

Google Docs is great for collaborative projects. Can share and have other people edit online. Saves are done automatically and can view revision history. There is a limit on the size of an upload file when uploading a Word, Excel or Powerpoint but if uploading music, pictures, etc, then the file size can be up to 1024MB. The only thing I couldn't work out - is there a file size for Word, Excel or Powerpoint when you have created from new? I am assuming no, otherwise this would be a huge limitation to using Google Docs. Work is saved in Cloud storage so that your work is available no matter where you are - great if you are moving from computer to computer. Google Docs Help is very well done.

#4 Web 2.0

Where Web 1.0 was primarily about information, Web 2.0 is user orientated and encompasses what can be done with that information. It seems difficult to determine an exact definition but it would seem that Web 2.0 incorporates interaction, imagination, participation and communication. And I found of course that one of the best places to get an understanding of Web 2.0 was to use a Web 2.0 tool - You Tube! Some of the "technical" terms that I need to understand more about are "mash up", "SAAS" and "Interpersonal computing" - which apparently make up Web 2.0. Connection and sharing are also words that are used when talking Web 2.0.

First Blog

All a bit daunting but so far so good. I feel like I am cheating a little as I am doing the course with my long time friend Shelley who is a bit more tech savvy than I am! Looking forward to see where this takes me!