The document compares and contrasts Twitter and blogging, discussing how Twitter is easier to use but encourages shorter updates throughout the day, while blogging allows for longer in-depth posts. It also examines the ease of use of Twitter versus YouTube/SlideShare, finding Twitter very easy to learn but some prior knowledge needed for the latter sites. Finally, it discusses the community aspects of following/followers on Twitter versus interest-based viewing on SlideShare, and the author's thoughts on exploring presentations within their field of study on SlideShare.

1. Honors College 205 Global Technology & Social Change Assignment 5 M.N.S. Fall 2007

2. Outline How is Twitter different than normal "blogging" ? How difficult was it to learn to use both Twitter and YouTube or SlideShare? What community aspects of both sites exist? Did you use any of those community aspects? What were your thoughts if you did?

3. How is Twitter different than normal "blogging" ? Twitter (www.twitter.com) “ Blogging” (www.blogger.com)

4. I. Twitter Quick & easy to use Login, click, ready to update and post. Instead of having “friends” --> twitter indicates people you are “following” or individuals are following you, “followers.” Easibility to see actions of friends (following/followers). Encourages people to give updates throughout the day. Thought provoking: site asks “what are you doing?” Character limit to posts --> keep posts short and sweet.

5. II.“Blogging” Set-up required for posts (subject, format, editing, etc.) Limitless characters for posts Encourages in-depth posts (thoughts, feelings, stories, etc.) Not encouraging personal updates throughout the day, like Twitter.

6. How difficult was it to learn to use both Twitter and YouTube or SlideShare? Easibility of Twitter Previous knowledge required of Slideshare users.

7. I. Twitter Easy login and account set-up User-friendly “Help” features. Straightforward organization of site to allow immediate posting.

8. II. SlideShare Previous knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint required. Easy account set-up and login Organized homepage, although a little cluttered.

9. What community aspects of both sites exist? Twitter: personal SlideShare: interest

10. I. Twitter “ Followers” vs “Following” Contact friends, classmates, coworkers (individuals personally known). Search others (with option to block unwanted viewers).

11. II. Slideshare Viewing based on sharing information and educational interest. Viewing of presentations guided by subject matter, not by personal relationships.

12. Did you use any of those community aspects? Twitter Beyond scope of “Twittering” daily, making contacts with the class, other communities were not explored fully. Personal lack of trust of other internet users on Twitter. SlideShare Other than uploading this presentation, I viewed a selection of presentations based on interest and for my educational purposes.

13. What were your thoughts if you did? ~ Involvement with SlideShare~ I was intrigued by the variety of presentations, both by material and types of presenters (professional and amateur). I had a fun time researching presentations within my major, for example: Gene Expression Analysis Genetic Engineering Chemistry - atomic structure Chemical reactions Biotechnology

14. Random Note This was a fun and challenging assignment… I learned a great deal more than I had initially expected. I did not toss my computer out a window during this assignment either (like I had expected I would)... :)