Tools of The Personal Learning Trade

     In chapter 5 of  "The Connected Educator" written by Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach and Lani Ritter Hall, they write about the tools of connected learning. They summarize different web tools people can use in their own personal learning, how to use them, and what application the tool is best suited for. Like the authors exclaimed "As we explore technological tools that enable connected learning to occur, keep in mind that tools are not helpful unless users understand the context in which tools can best improve learning.(SM. Beach, L.R. Hall)" As a person going into the science field this strikes a chord. A person can have completely different experiences in a lab depending on their knowledge of how the machines work, and why each machine is doing what they are. If someone doesn't understand why thermal cyclers are set to certain temps at certain intervals they may skimp and run an unsatisfactory PCR. Possibly affecting someone's test or research. Likewise on the subject of learning tools, if someone is on all the correct networking tools to create an online presence but acts in an unprofessional manner on those sites. The effort is more detrimental than helpful, this is touched on later in the chapter.

    Beach and Ritter give outlines for tools such as (www.delicious.com), a bookmarking website that also utilizes tagging your bookmarks to make it easier to find later. They also present (www.diigo.com) a similar bookmarking website that allows users to edit on top of pages they are reading/bookmarking, such as highlighting and placing notes on the pages. These are examples of archiving tools, used like your own library at home, organized and all. I personally will be using Diigo in both my college career and professional career. Highlighting and noting on scientific journal articles what is relevant to my own research or just expanding my knowledge on new areas of interest.

    The authors also touch on tools such as Wikis, blogging tools, and podcasts, for their utility for collaborating online and gathering information on a community level. Wikis aren't just Wikipedia, they are a subset of webpages designed for niche groups to share their knowledge on certain topics. These webpages are monitored and proof read by the pages designated fact checkers. These pages range from novel's character history, to video game lore and more.

I digress to blogs and podcasts, two other tools helpful for collaborative learning. Blogs such as twitter and well blogger are used as journals and each post acting like an article. Podcasts are a staple for the younger on the go generation. Beach and Ritter share the same view writing

 "Learning comes through all forms of communication, not just the written word. Some of us learn better through audio formats rather than writing, and that's where podcasts come in. Listening to content or viewing videos should be part of your connected learning environment.(SM. Beach, L.R. Hall)"

    What kind of online non written sources of information do you utilize and what for? Do you follow these for hobbies, work, or perhaps to help with school? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts leave them in the comments section bellow. I personally follow SciSchow on YouTube, where they delve into different scientific topics and news while making the information easily digestible. I watch them for fun because I like to keep learning about all sorts of things. I am always on the run so podcasts and videos are always on whether I am going to work or to school.

 Citation 

The Connected Educator: Learning and Leading in a Digital Age, by Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach and Lani R Hall, Solution Tree Press, 2012, pp. 73-89.