Mingling Minds

min·gle (mnggl)
v. min·gled, min·gling, min·gles
v.tr.
1. To mix or bring together in combination, usually without loss of individual characteristics.
2. To mix so that the components become united; merge.
v.intr.
1. To be or become mixed or united.
2. To join or take part with others

(Merriam-Webster On-line)

Social bookmarking is a new concept for me but one that is also quite intriguing. In the field of education, finding the time to share information is an enormous task. With lesson planning, meetings, grading, phone calls, email and other daily tasks, actually talking to a colleague falls to the bottom of the list.

Social bookmarking provides networking possibilities to encourage communication of resources and information among a variety of groups of people. The use of social bookmarking could help to develop a common vocabulary and consistency in information. In addition, the people in the network are charged with making the decisions about what is bookmarked which brings numerous benefits. First, people bring different perspectives, different ways of "seeing", to a particular topic. Widening the ideas of others allows for growth and change. Second, although many people have lost the face-to-face interactions with others, social bookmarking allows a person to gain knowledge about the individual interests of a person by taking note of themes that run throughout the bookmarks. Finally, social bookmarking saves time. With the world of technology (literally) at our fingertips, collaboration is key. The impact technology has on our daily lives will allow for revolutionary changes in understanding our world.

I have certainly begun to master the art of mingling at this on-line technology party.