Web 2.0 Exploration

    There are new tools that I have just known from the course and some familiar ones that I have tried for a while. Here is my favorite list: - GroupMe (a MS-backed group messaging tool): It is similar as Slack or WhatsApp in features of group messaging (chat, audio/ video call, attach files of different formats, etc.) What I like about GroupMe is its simplicity of interface, no charge required, and free storage of information. Slack only allows free users to store chats and files within a given period, after which the stored information will be deleted. - Padlet (a collaborative board creation tool): This is a simple collaborative tool that helps me facilitate brainstorming sessions, call for group reflection or discussion, and generate my personal categorized work space for free. It is like Trello, Jira or Asana but cheaper and simpler for casual use cases. - Pocket (a curation tool to save resources in one place): I am going to explore Pocket further to determine if it can replace

      There are many lessons learnt during the Web 2.0 course, but here are my top three: Ending with a beginning statement of Week 1: Web 2.0 is not a tool, but a philosophy. When thinking about Web 2.0 or design learning experiences in Web 2.0, I would think about an umbrella of principles and interrelationships of personal and social learning activities using online tools to consume, connect, and create resources. Implications for social-media-based instructional design: My favorite frameworks include  PLN Enrichment Framework by Krutka et al. (2017), and SCOPE questions by Dennen in instructional design and development for social media lessons A strong and long-lasting online learning community has meaningful interactions among members, relevant and helpful content, clear norms, and integrity of purposes (My key take-away from Community observation assignment).     What I am still looking for from the course objectives is to i dentify the necessary factors for creating and sustaini

    One of this week's discussion topics is to question if we are truly international thanks to worldwide accessible information and translation tools. I would like to contemplate further on this topic.      Most folks replied that No, we are not, which I strongly resonate with. My reasons are a bit different. The limitation and imperfection of technology such as translation tools and algorithm are noticeable. However, I think the striking factor lies in the mindset and intention of users. If users are keen on exploring various news and perspectives from other parts of the world, they will find ways to do that. Otherwise, even with unlimited access and perfect tools, they don't care to connect and learn beyond their borders.     The implication for education, I think, is to motivate the Why of using social media or tools to access worldwide information, ideas and perspectives. Motivation can't be instructed, but can be experienced through real-life interactions and experien

     In Vietnam, it is common for learners to utilize popular social platforms to discuss ideas and questions of the lesson rather than adopting a specified LMS or class management software. Facebook is one of the most popular social platforms in Vietnam, thus becoming a popular class discussion tool for Vietnamese learners (K-12, higher education or corporate).     For STEM subjects, students can post photos of subject-related problems, such as a chemical equation or a mathematical calculation, in a Facebook group and get responses from others. An IELTS reading comprehension question can be clarified in an IELTS practice Facebook group. In addition to discussions, new classes can create a Facebook group for members to interact with each other and access teachers' announcements.     How is Facebook used for learning in your country or state?

     Zalo is the most popular social messaging platform in Vietnam, like Messenger, Whatsapp or Telegram. Tailored for Vietnam market, Zalo provides almost everything that I need from a social messaging platform, making it even outstanding over international social messaging tools. By telling more about some typical Zalo features and what I like about them, I think you can get some new ideas of what a social messaging platform can be.     It is common for Vietnamese to ask each other "Do you have a Zalo number?", which means "Does this phone number tie to your Zalo account?". Each Zalo account is identified uniquely with a phone number, which makes almost everyone own a Zalo account. People change from contacting through charged phone service into free Zalo (call, messaging). It is accessible and free. I can easily find anyone in Zalo by searching their phone number in the Zalo directory. It is, however, sensitive with privacy concerns.     Due to its high popularit

     Richardson & Milovidov (2019) highlighted three aspects of online wellbeing, ethics and empathy, health and well-being, and e-Presence and communication. I then come up with some suggestions  in each aspect  to care for wellbeing online.  Ethics and empathy: Consume online products with clear contexts to understand others' perspectives. Pause to regulate overwhelming emotions. Deeply "listen" to others without making judgements or rush conclusions. Healthy and well-being: Moderate time spent online, especially on social media, through self-discipline and tracking apps. Use Pomodoro technique to manage time effectively and stay focused with intervals away from screen. Set up the space where online activities take place (workplace and home) to ensure correct posture that is not harmful for the spine. Do exercises during break time to eliminate effects of long  screen time on different parts of the body such as shoulders, neck and spine. e-Presence and communication