Words by Rachel

Have you ever had the conversation about what you would do if you won a million dollars only to realize that you don't buy lottery tickets, so how on earth are you going to win all that money? I've gone there before and it makes me feel kind of stupid. I don't want to waste my money buying lottery tickets...

But, imagine what we're missing when we don't buy that lottery ticket. We miss the chance to win the jackpot and, quite frankly, we don't have the right to even dream about it.

So, what's this got to do with the social web, online learning, virtual communities and the World 2.0?

I see Web 2.0 a little bit like I see the lottery...

There's a virtual world of learning and networking possibilities out there that is growing exponentially. The opportunity to learn and leadwith each other is phenomenal. But, it takes time, it takes effort and it takes a hike up a steap learning curve of technology for some of us. We've got to buy the lottery ticket to have a chance at success.

Learning Circles are underway here at Tamarack, and these small groups are playing the World 2.0 lottery. They meet once monthly (for four moths) to discuss a topic that is relevant to their work. They are networking, sharing ideas, asking questions and taking part in an important dialogue. And, slowly but surely, they are logging into online communities and sharing resources and comments relevant to this conversation. Although this may not be a revolutionary way to learn and network, it's requires stepping aside from our everyday duties and into a virtual, open dialogue.

It's not that face-to-face communication isn't worthwhile anymore. In fact, I think it is necessary to build trust, and it allows that remarkable kind of communication that occurs without words (something that online communication simply cannot capture). But, online communities and Web 2.0 technologies allow us to spread our wings and, even better, spread our wings at our own convenience. As a Mom, I could only dream about all the things I would love to do virtually - go to the gym, drop of dry cleaning, do groceries (although I think this can be done now) and the list goes on. But, what I can do is learn online, in those wee hours of the night when my young daughter is sleeping. And, in between her naps, I can connect with peers to share interesting resources. I can help feed the poor at Free Rice, join the Flick Off movement to fight climate change and share my thoughts about all of this with other inspiring minds on the Community Blog All I do is think, point and click.

Online, the world is at my fingertips and the possibilities are endless - that's the Web 2.0! Give it a chance...you might just hit the jackpot!