Learning with and from other tools (Social networking tools)

 

 Introduction:-   

              There are various online ways in which we can communicate with others to develop business English. like, blog email. Explosion of social networking tools allow you to create a network of people online with whom you can share similar interest. It allows you to share text, multimedia, favourite websites and more. It's availability is only just a beginning. Many people see the future of the internet and the world-wide-web upon which people can build networks and communities together. This can be for entertainment, for informal education or for business.

           In any event, these networks of individuals will become even richer resources, for learners of most disciplines, including language. This short module will give an overview of the more popular tools that are already being used by business English learner. Which are.,

1. Sharing bookmarks
2. Second life

1. Sharing bookmarks:-

  

              In this 21st century, we all have our favourite websites and many of us keep track of them using the "bookmarks" or "favorites" function on browsers. Up to now our bookmarks were private that only we could see them. That mean we couldn't see the bookmarks of someone else who had the same interest as us. But it is now changed with bookmarks sharing facilities. Like., http://del.icio.us and www.ikeepbookmarks.com . Both do very similar things; but first one is very widely used. It allows you to do three things.,

1. Share your bookmarks with other people
2. View other people's bookmarks
3. Search everyone's bookmarks using tag (key words)

            Whenever you bookmarks a website, del.icio.us will ask you if you would like to give that website tag. For example, if you wanted to bookmark the page www.sharepages.com; del.icio.us window will look like this.,

       This del.icio.us automatically puts in the description for you that mean it gets this information from the webpage, and you enter any notes you want to, and add text of your own choosing. When anyone search the website on which you have put your tags those tags will be shown your link to that website.

        This is an excellent system because unlike search engines such as Google, it categorises websites according to the words are used on them because this tagging system relies on what other people say about a website. 

          A new added benefit of using social bookmarking services that you can always access your bookmarks from any internet-connected computer, that mean you can do it from a public computer also.

2. Second Life:-

             Since the late 1990s, there have been a number of "Virtual Reality Worlds" online available. It allows you to represent yourself with a photo or drawing, then move around within the world, text chat or voice chat with other, build your own house, village or Island and even start a business. The most popular of this virtual world is "Second Life" which has become popular since around 2005.

          

            Within Second Life you will find lots of businesses representing themselves. This can be a small, one person business, but even large companies such as, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Adidas, Intel and Dell have their own areas within second life. In the Dell area for example you can order a computer, chat to other people who are logged in at the same time to discuss what computer to buy or any problem you have. 

                 

              In addition, many companies use Second life as a medium through which to make live announcement about new products for example, quarterly or early financial report. Various artists and musicians have held press conference in second life and Duran Duran have even announced plans to hold a concert there. As a result a second life is already a rich environment in which you can practice and improve your English whether business related or more informal language.

             To use the Second Life, you have to install the software and sign up in order to get a username which is free. Once you have a username, you can improve your English with the help of it.

Conclusion:-

            Thus, Social Networking tools connect you with the whole world by internet. Sharing bookmarks and second life are the prominent part of it. This  short module, will help to improve business English.