Thing 23: Reflection on my the journey.

What an amazing journey this has been! I have learned so much about Web 2.0 tools. I had no idea that this was all available to me. I would encourage anyone to take this journey and learn about the exciting ways in which you can engage with a larger community by using the tools we have learned. Just had a thought, wouldn't this be an interesting doctoral thesis for someone: The impact of Web 2.0 for seniors who were not afraid of the technology. Their world would just open right up for them. But, I digress.

My thinking has really changed since I started the project. First, I know that I am less fearful about using the technology. That, in and of itself is significant. If a person can overcome the fear of getting lost in the technology, there are so many ways they can learn, engage in a learning community, and enlists us in being thinkers, co-creators, etc. One of the things that I discovered is that I would like to use blogs and wikis as a place to learn with my students, clients, the people who I am coaching, etc. Let me share a shift of thinking...I use to think that technology was impersonal, a sort of artificial social network, but it does not have to be. Now, I think my next task is to get a greater proficiency of the tools so that I can begin to incorporate them in my practice on a regular basis. My view of the internet has change in that it doesn't have to be this ominous black hole where someone is lurking. If one applies a modicum of caution, realizing that it is a social network, I believe things will be okay. A little common sense is what's called for.

At any rate, I just have to thank you for sponsoring this project. I have learned so much. I also want to send a hearty thank you to my fellow participants because they have been a part of our community of learners. What a fantastic voyage...now for the next leg of the journey...or as a faithful trekkie (Star Trek fan) would say...Let's continue to go where no man has gone before!