The following is a presentation that outlines plans for integrating Web 2.0 functionality into GEM architecture.
Since GEM has reached critical mass in terms of usage--some one million visits a month-- and a number of those visitors are active participants in vetting and commenting on resources, we want to expand the opportunities that GEM visitors are presented with once they visit the site--opportunities to share resources with their colleagues by direct email from within GEM, ability to rate resources or to submit them to other online forums (DIGG), etc.
Additionally, we’re planning a redesign that will keep the search interface “simple” –like Google—yet introduce a “social networking” interface allowing users to interact. Think “Facebook for Educators.”
I met with Eric Sherman--a marketer who represents partnership between NEA/Saturn--to discuss GEM. They’ve agreed to publish a white paper that will help the GEM partnership become an educators "household term" much like Google is to the Net user--"Just Google it!"
Additionally, GEM will be working with Living Library--a Web-based, intergenerational mentoring program --to determine possible integration scenarios.