Data Tagging

What is data tagging?

Data tagging allows users to organize information more efficiently by associating pieces of information (websites or photos, for example) with tags. What is a tag? According to Wikipedia, "a tag is a non-hierarchical keyword or term assigned to a piece of information (such as an internet bookmark, digital image, or computer file). This kind of metadata helps describe an item and allows it to be found again by browsing or searching. Tags are chosen informally and personally by the item's creator or by its viewer, depending on the system."

Two popular ways to use data tagging are social bookmarking and photo sharing. With the social bookmarking site del.ici.ous, you can save and organize your bookmarks online and share them with others (hence "social" bookmarking). Watch this short Common Craft video to learn more about social bookmarking with del.ici.ous.

Flickr allows users to upload photos, organize them by tagging, and share them. To find out more about Flickr, watch the Common Craft video!

Here are some ideas for using data tagging applications in the classroom:

• create a central storage place for course-related bookmarks with del.ici.ous
• find authentic photos for use in the classroom by exploring Flickr tags

Where can I see how others are using data tags?

Edie Furniss's Flickr photos - Photos from Russia

Edie Furniss's del.ici.ous bookmarks - Bookmarks for sites related to Russian language and culture and using technology in teaching