Proposals

Instructional Technology Conference 2009

Title: RSS feeds and mash-ups: On the way to web 3.0

Name: Dr. Helmut Doll

Audience: All

Audience Level: All

Length: 1 Hour

Abstract: Web 3.0, the next generation of the WWW, is starting to appear on the horizon. Although it is far from clear what the term will mean, it is expected to include a change to a more semantic, data-driven web. In my presentation I will discuss different directions that are currently mentioned and show examples of applications that already incorporate some of these ideas. The main part of the presenation will focus on the increased use of RSS feeds and mashups, which are a first step towards Web 3.0. Examples of advanced uses of RSS and mash ups in instructional technology will be given and the required procedures will be demonstrated.

Description: While we are still in the process to fully incorporate Web 2.0 technology into our classrooms, there is already talk about the next generation of the Web, Web 3.0. Again, as had happened with Web 2.0, there is no clear definition yet for this new version, and it will most likely be an evolutionary change in the way we use the WWW. Currently, the most common expectation is that Web 3.0 will be the "semantic Web". This is usually understood to mean a web focused on content and data and less on webpages that are displayed in a browser. In my presentation I will discuss different directions that are currently being discussed and show examples of applications that already incorporate some of these ideas. These changes should be positive for instructional technology as they will most likely provide new and better tools for the presentation of information and will allow us to provide even better support for instruction. We already have several tools and technologies that focus on content and its delivery: RSS feeds, tagging of data and mash ups will fit into the next generation of Web tools as well.In the main part of the presentation I will focus on RSS feeds and mash ups as tools to enrich our instruction. Many of us are using blogs in our professional lives, however RSS feeds, which can be easily created are rarely used to their full potential. I will demonstrate how they can become an important component of our instructional toolset as well as the source for powerful mash ups, which integrate the content of your material with other resources such as maps, images, news, and video. During the presentation I will show how such advanced content presentations can be created using a visual approach: All of the software giants such as Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, and Adobe are making easy-to-use mash up editors available for free. Examples and a demonstration will conclude the presentation.
Session Type: Lecture/Presentation

On-Site Equipment Requirements: Projector, Internet connection

Contact Information/Affiliation:
Dr. Helmut Doll
Department of Instructional Technology
Bloomsburg University
400 East Second Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
hdoll@bloomu.edu570-389-4848