Thing 10: Mashups

Mashups are completely new to me. I had no idea what they are or what kinds of applications they might involve. It's interesting to see this example of collaboration on the web. Instead of each application just doing what it does, it's clear that developers are seeing ways to combine the applications to really help users and provide information efficiently. I was impressed by the HousingMaps Mashup, which seems like a fairly simple combination of tools that works well to provide information to prospective home buyers. If I were a realtor, I would certainly want to take advantage of this application; it would help both sellers and buyers. I also found the Windowshop Mashup to be pretty cool because it combines so much inofrmation. You can find previews of all kinds of materials on this site.

I wonder what kind of inspiration for teaching mashups can provide. As a language arts teachers, it might be interesting to have students try to create their own preview of a book they are reading as if it were going to be posted on a site like Windowshop (a Web 2.0 book report kind of a thing). Or, they could brainstorm other applications to combine and write about how a certain combination would work, who it would serve, and how it could be used. This seems like a good way to integrate technology, writing, and students' interests.