Tagging, Folksonomies & Technorati

Tagging is an informal way to categorize that enables users to associate keywords with online content. Unlike the Library of Congress subject headings, SEARS catalog heading, tagging is unstructured and allows the users to determine the connections between thier data anyway they would desire.

Both Flickr and Picasa use tags to allow users to make connections or associations with their image collections. New online web tools have taken this "social bookmarking" feature to create new ways to access and organize information.

1. Explore Del.icio.us
Image having all of your computer bookmarks in one place! Like most of us, our computers, home or work, have folders or resources that demand our attention for remembering where we put stuff. It's just like a filing system or better yet del.icio.us allows us to check out another users' files! The real power of Del.icio.us is the social networking aspect which allows you to learn how others "tag" similar websites or links. In addition, you will be able to locate similar websites that might interest you too.

2. View the Del.icio.us Tutorial
View the excellent Del.icio.us tutorial and get a good overview of this powerful web tool's features.

3. Create a Blog Post
Using your blog write about your learning about the tool Del.icio.us. How will you take advantage of this to assist you in your classroom? Can you see the potential for your students? What tag headings did you try? If you're up for the challenge, setup your own Del.icio.us account and learn how empowering it is to replace the old browser bookmarks.

4. Explore Technorati
"Welcome to Technorati, ...currently tracking 101.3 million blogs and over 250 million pieces of tagged social media." The San Francisco based company states that "there are over 175,000 new blogs every day." Technorati features include the ability to search through blogs using keywords, search by language, or about certain subjects.

5. Take the Technorati Tour
The tour will give you an overview of the latest features. You can also compare their popular blog, tags, and search options. Create another blog post comparing your experience using Flickr, del.icio.us and Technorati. What conclusions would you make about tagging? Anything surprising about your search results?

6. Web 2.0 Award Winners
Using any tool or award-winner from the Web 2.0 Awards
Select and explore another new tools and create a post about your discovery. New tools were estimated to number approximately around 300-500. Find one that is free and doesn't require downloads or plug-ins.

These new tools for learning are being discovered and shared in Ning, a social networking site. Explore an interest group of your hobby, Teachers2.0, or click on a Network Tag to learn more. Check out Classroom 2.0 and discover how technology is being integrated into their classrooms? Or start your own Ning!