1. Extend social networking features. Emphasis on social engagement
is unique to Web 2.0 applications. In the current RISAL
system, we concentrated primarily in the development of
bookmarking and repository features, and the social networking
features of the system remain underdeveloped. Social
networking features will enable individuals to more effectively
manage lists of “friends” (those with similar interests who wish
to communicate about specific topics) and groups for sharing of
resources and tracking of activities. For example, a teacher
might create a special group (based on his/her class or a group
of research students) and share specific resources with these
students. In addition, the teacher might track the group
members' activities (resources that they bookmark, or new
items in their portfolio). A student might connect to friends and
create project groups to share resources, track activities,
collaborate and form connections. The system should also contain suitable communication features to allow the flow of
information, such as messaging and alerts about new resources
or comments. Social networking features of the RISAL system
will help provide valuable feedback through peer feedback and
discussions within a social space as ideas (relative to the course
learning outcomes) are developing. The importance of feedback
to students for learning in progress has been emphasized as an
important pedagogical intervention (Salter, 2008). In this
aspect, the system might be useful for other purposes. For
example, a head of a department might create a group
consisting of the department's teachers and share resources
such as curriculum documents and minutes of meetings.
Similarly, a group of teachers might use the system to plan
co-teaching activities or develop a curriculum. Research project
collaborators might create a space for exchange of files and
collaboration. The system would allow for easy feedback to this
kind of work in progress and shared resource development.