Assessment 2 Sustaining an online community

Facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-New-Startup/148998134101

Topic: What are the issues involved with using social networks for professional development in the workplace?
'Social networking sites are currently blocked on my workplace's network to increase productivity and reduce distractions'

To ensure content control (a bit like Big Brother) the Dept at my workplace is developing its own social networking site and software to support the sharing of resources. This way the professional development content can be maintained and controlled by policy...

Other issues may involve:
* the level of use of the technology, it could be a drama for people to use the social network if they don't have much experience
*'Netiquette' people SHOUTING, they dont realise the impact of using capitals!
*staying on task.......

Topic: How do Web 2.0 tools (blogs, wikis, podcasts and video lectures) complement such social networks?

Wed 2.0 tools complement social networks as they allow for expression using different types of media. Some people are visual learners, others audio, others need to actually 'do' the activity and some are a mix. The tools available allow the user to get their message across in a format that suits them. They might find that they can reach a bigger audience by using a different tool. These options in tool use give the user multiple ways of finding understanding of content. Instead of reading instructions they can watch an instructional demonstration!!! Sounds good to me!

Topic: How is a work-related social network developed and sustained?

As a person with a short attention span I see the development of a work-related social network and its sustainability depends greatly on the level of activity and content offered. As we have been shown by this subject there is so much information available that if something does not take our interest then we can quickly replace it with something else.

For a 'work-related' 'social' network to be successful:
* the goal of the network needs to be relevant, defined and of upmost importance
*it has to offer something that the 'workers' are not getting from their actual place of work!
*ownership is also important for people to continue to utilise and develop the network.
* the users have got to want to use the network.