Discovering the Power of Web 2.0 Tools -The ripple effects of CTA's Web 2.0 Learning Opportunity

Introduction

A three day workshop on Web 2.0 may seem like a rather long event considering how simple Web 2.0 tools are and how widely used they already are. On the other hand, it may seem a rather short one given the enormousity of possibilities of applicability.
For the three day event (from 6th to 8th December, 2010) sponsored by IICD for beneficiaries in Tamale, it seemed an ideal period however. Expressions from the ten (10) participants after the said event said it all. Prior to the workshop and as part of pre-event preparations, every participant was encouraged to open a google (or gmail) account. This choice is because google operates an open id system. This means that one account gives you access to many google tools. This report is a summary of the remarks of some participants.

Remarks of Respondents

William Nsiah-Asare “Ok. Thanks everybody, especially the facilitator. I think I have updated my knowledge on the web 2.0 tools especially as it relates to google. I had some ideas about social networking tools but this workshop has really opened my eyes to many of the amazing tools free on the internet which I hardly use because of the lack of knowledge. I think my expectations have been met and I am really happy about the workshop. I hope to deploy the skills acquired as fast as possible on the Internet and in my private business. I believe it would enhance and take my business to the next level. Anyone who wants to learn about web 2.0 tools can contact me now! hahahah. Safe journey buddy until we catch you again in another workshop when you come back. Filla."


Mahey Bamba “To begin with, the entire workshop was very interesting and collaborative. Participants were given the chance to try theirs hands on the practical aspects of web 2.0 tools. To say the least, it was not a workshop where the facilitator does it all. It was a participatory one by all standards. For the past three days, I learnt how to do proper blogging using blogger and Wordpress. Also, we were taken through how to use google search to get what we really want by using search magic that is: basic search commands, advanced search with google, search for list(
voices from civil society), …etc.
Also, we learnt how to track news items on any preferred subject using google Alerts and how to collaborate remotely using google docs. We were equally taught how to use social networks like facebook to create pages for our respective organizations. The last google tool in the series was google maps where we learnt several things from directions between two given points to making one’s own map.
I intend to use the knowledge that I have acquired from this workshop to improve the way I used to do things in the past as far as web 2.0 is concerned. I also hope to share this knowledge with my colleague CIC managers who were not lucky to be part of this exciting workshop.
All in all, the workshop was very successful and I wish to thank the organizers for a wonderful work done and to the facilitator kudos for the brilliant work"

Selorm Jerry Gbesemete “Awesome is how I describe this workshop because a lot has been learnt. First of all, I know what web 2.0 is and how it can be used to help bring about rural development. Secondly, we learnt about various google tools such as google translate which is used in translating content from one to another, using search magic to look for information on the internet instead of the traditional one which is time consuming working on the same document with different collaborators on the internet, blogging, using google map for location among others.
The hallmark of the lesson learnt is that, I will use it to project the image of my organisation by frequently posting information on the internet about our activities, achievements and products. Secondly the information will be shared with staff members so that our low bandwidth system can be effectively managed to ensure smooth connectivity. The facilitation was excellent and the organisation was fantastic. I thank all that made it possible for this to happen."

Abubakari Asana “In fact I have learnt so many things in this workshop. We have learnt many google tools, and one that is of paramount interest to me is google maps. I can get directions and even the distance between any two given locations. This I find amazing. But even more amazing is the google alerts that I can now use to track vital news on topics of interest as it happens. Also language is no longer a barrier to
search though we were cautioned about the quality of the translation I still think under the current circumstances we can make do with translated search and google translator to narrow the language divide. As the facilitator puts it “participation is one key problem with web 2.0” most of us learn without practicing. This, I hope to be an exception to. I am not only happy but also confident with the use of these tools. I also hope to share with my colleagues who could not get the chance to participate in this workshop.
I must confess however that I wish we had more time or better still the organizers can organize a follow up workshop so we get more hands on practical on some of the tools."

Jacinta Ziem “I have been exposed to many good programs in this workshop. The fact that I know certain results could be achieved in the net is a great move and I am determined to use them when I get back to my organisation. I will get the help of skilled ICT personnel when I have problems in areas that I may not be conversant with. I will search effectively and get good results from the internet for my organization and my work. I will use facebook to create a page for my organization since most young people are on facebook it will help to create awareness about my organization and the work we do. I also hope to use the many other tools I have been exposed to for my personal or professional development. May God bless our Facilitator and all who have made it possible for this workshop to carried out successfully."

Nsoug Roland “I have learned a lot from this Web 2.0 Workshop, from beginning to ending. Everything started from the introduction of Web 2.0, which talks about a lot of available tools on the internet. I am now conversant with the use of Google customize tools like the reader, maps, blogs, etc and so with many Social networking sites. I came with a little knowledge of Web 2.0, but for now I can say I am one of the most experienced participants. And I have also realized that Google even easier to use, for the past years I saw it as difficult to use. But it will be my home page forever and ever since I have now discovered its power and for the many tools we learnt, I understood all. I thank the Facilitator and my colleague participants and the organizers (IICD and Training Partners)."

Participants

1. William Nsiah-Asare, Filla consult, Tamale
2. Mahey Bamba, Salaga CIC, Salaga
3. Selorm Jerry Gbesemete, WADEP, Nkwanta
4. Abubakari Wasila, Kalang ICT center, Tamale
5. Abubakari Asana, Kalang ICT center, Tamale
6. Jacinta Ziem, PEPS-C, Wa
7. Nsoug Roland, Kalang ICT center, Tamale
8. Banaba Iddrisu, Kalang ICT center, Tamale
9. Kpebtege Justina, Kalang ICT center, Tamale
10. Ram Nanasta, Kalang ICT center, Tamale


Thank you for reading!
Please share your comments with us.