technologies

**Technologies**
Web-based and off-line technological tools to facilitate communication, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Wikis Websites that allow you to draft, edit and modify content collaboratively and at a distance. They are an excellent tool for creating and managing joint documents or projects, such as FAQs, checklists, Case Studies, action plans and documents to be commented upon by several people.

**Blogs** Websites hosting regular articles, links and other content on a particular subject on which visitors can comment. Blogs are a valuable channel to express opinions, disseminate information and share expertise, as well as for advocacy purposes.

**Discussion forums** Online discussion sites that host ongoing conversations in the form of short posts. They can help generate dialogue, solicit feedback, provide direct answers to questions, share and discuss ideas and experience and create knowledge. They can also serve as informal forums for team building and networking.

**Mindmapping** Diagrams representing words, ideas or tasks linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. They are a useful tool for generating, visualizing, structuring, and classifying ideas, and as an aid in problem solving, decision making, strategic analysis, debriefing and collaborative brainstorming.

Podcasting Shared audio files posted on the internet. They can be downloaded to a computer, an MP3 player, or a smart phone for easy access. They accommodates different contents and can help overcome literacy problems or visual disabilities. Podcasts are often used for interviews with experts.

**Visual Presentations or " How to avoid death by powerpoint" ** Visual aids that can support, supplement and reinforce the narration of a speaker, trainer or facilitator. Interactivity can be added using images, videos and through the use of Audience Response Systems. High impact for visual learning styles.

**Screencasting** The sharing of a computer screen via video presentation in real-time with audio, video or other elements. They can be recorded and reused, and are suitable for tutorials, introductions to distance learning and training on technical concepts.


 * Videoconferencing**

A tool which enables people in two or more locations to interact synchronously (real time) by using audio and video at the same time. A good substitute for face to face interaction when this is not possible.

**Social networking** Grouping of individuals or organizations to explore and cultivate common interests. Social networking sites provide various ways for users to interact, such as chat, messaging, video, voice chat, file sharing, blogging and discussion groups. They can be used for advocacy, to involve stakeholders and strengthen partnerships and for the social and interactive aspects of learning activities.

**On-line Surveys** Web based forms to gather information from staff, stakeholders, constituents and the general public.

An electronic staff directory including details about knowledge, prior experience, expertise and skills. They can be consulted to tap into expertise and tacit knowledge within the organization.
 * Yellow Pages**