Jisc Netskills previews animations for Web 2.0 beginners

Busy lecturers, researchers and administrators need look no further for straightforward advice on using Web 2.0 technologies, as Jisc Netskills previews the first in a series of short, snappy Web2Practice animations.

The first five of eight animations, covering:
Social media
Podcasting
RSS feeds
Collaborative writing
Microblogging 

These animations adopt a fast and easy approach to understanding how new technologies can enhance everyday working practice and will be followed by the rest of the set in early August 2009.
 
Will Allen, consultant trainer from Jisc Netskills, says: "There's plenty of evidence that Web 2.0 tools have dramatically affected the working practice of those who‘ve adopt them. But where should new users begin? Our Web2practice animations are designed to help, provide a concise overview of the technologies, the benefits of using them and how to get started.
 
"The focus of the animations is about new users identifying their current and desired practice, rather than taking a technology-first approach." 
 
Each animation will be supported by its own complementary handy printed guide, available direct from Jisc Netskills and for download from the Web2practice site.
 
The animations can be freely used, downloaded and adapted by those watching them because they are all Creative Commons-licensed.

The concept and funding for the Web2practice guides arose from the recent Users and Innovation programme, which looked exclusively at the use of Web 2.0 technologies in Higher Education and how they could positively enhance the learner and researcher experience.

Lawrie Phipps, Jisc users and innovation programme manager, explains: "As the programme progressed, it became clear that, outside of the programme's own community of practice, experience of and confidence with Web 2.0 technologies was patchy.
 
"While many might have dabbled in perhaps one or two of the technologies, large areas of really very accessible and beneficial new technologies might remain off the radar. "There are really very few people working in universities and colleges today who won't benefit, in both collaborative and personal practical terms from what Web 2.0 technologies can add to their day-to-day work."
 
"There are really very few people working in universities and colleges today who won't benefit, in both collaborative and personal practical terms from what Web 2.0 technologies can add to their day-to-day work."

There is also a feature on the preview site for viewers to comment on the animations.

Will adds: "We really value feedback from the community on these animations. Whether you are new to the technologies, or already familiar with them, let us know what you think. Your feedback will really help us to develop the final guides in the series."

Further Web2practice guides will be added during the Summer of 2009, to cover topics including blogging, social bookmarking, communications and digital identity.
 
View the Web2practice animations