Thing 13: Filesharing/Collaboration - Google Docs, Wikis and Dropbox

I have been aware of wikis for a while and we use one at work (on the PB Works platform) to share ideas and information.  This works well as our team is spread across 3 sites and it is difficult to get together for team meetings.

I haven't used GoogleDocs or Drop box before.  We have a shared drive at work that the team can access so haven't really needed to.  I also have my own drive on the college server which only I can access.  The only problem with this is that I can't access any of the documents from my home PC and have been using a USB stick to transfer documents from work to home.  GoogleDocs and Drop box would be the solution to this problem.  Not that I do much work from home really.

These tools will also help me share Chartership documents with my mentor such as my PPDP and evaluative statement.  Previously I had to either post them or attach them to an email which wasn't ideal.

Thing 12 - Putting the social into social media

Before starting cpd 23 I only used social media for personal use and hadn't really thought about using it in a professional capacity. However now I see the potential of social media in helping with the development of my career.  Through cpd23 and the use of social networking I have made contact with other Information Assistants in Colleges in Scotland who have also registered for cpd23, giving me the opportunity to share knowledge and ideas with others. I also intend to use  LinkedIn to market my professional self online. Facebook will still remain a personal social networking tool and I think that what happened with the recent riots just show the negative side of social networking.