knol is king

Whilst wandering around the research information network website (RIN)+ associated blogs today I noticed Google knol! More about that later, first the RIN portal.

The is an invaulable resource for those whishing to build up their research skills by by ensuring their CPD is research informed. We call it "scholary activity" for HE or HE in FE tutors. The RIN (supported by JISC) website and publications cover the entire specturm of communicating knowledge for UK researchers.  Articles cover publishing platfroms, and collaborative papers to name but a few. A linked web portal VITAE also promotes CPD and research across the HE landscape. VITAE, has plenty of resource to download.

Now, back to Google Knol ... As Branwen states " the site enables one to post defined units of information on any topic you wish. One of the interesting things the site enables you to do is state if you trust the individual to be an expert on the topic or agree that the document cite adequate and reliable references to support its claims. These ratings get converted to a rating system, which helps you figure out if the information is accurate and worth reading. As with all things Web 2.0 one can leave comments and discussions ensue."

So this is a neat attempt to utilise web 2.0 ethos and collaborative platforms to enable a trusted system of peer reviewing knowledge.  Nice idea.  I'm sure there are others around?

Soundcloud

This idea is not too disimilar to the web 2.0 ethic of user participation of a new music site I stumbled across yesterday.  http://soundcloud.com/ .  This allows budding DJ's or artists to upoad tunes or full mixes, that can be commented upon (see image above).  Now if we uploaded a lecture podcast, our students could then make comments :OD... or visa versa. Students could submit an assessment in audio firmat & it could be commented upon by peers or tutors.  Neat eh?