Prior to beginning my endeavor as an Education Technologist, I had an understanding of how networking was important in the field of Business and Finance. However, I did not understand the importance in the field of education. Especially upon the continuation of my studies toward an advanced degree. Sure, in recent years there have been technological developments that assist in our entertainment, however, I do not believe anyone would have thought of the educational impact these tools would have on learning.
Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?
Tools such as YouTube, Facebook, Google, etc... have changed not only the methods by which we socialize, but also the way we educate ourselves and our students. At my current campus, instructors in our nursing program(s) utilize YouTube regularly. Sure, there is just as much junk on this site as there is on Wikipedia, but if used properly, there is wealthy information.
Sites like Facebook allow students to communicate and collaborate on assignments. Google has many features that are available for communicating, collaborating, and learning. Google Books gives students a quick reference for books that may contain valuable research information and Google Docs allows individuals the chance to share materials with others on one network.
How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?
If there are materials that I cannot gather from the Walden Library, Google is my next step for researching a topic. Rarely, do I have trouble locating material on this site. If the site does not have specific information, there are times when the site will give me at least a hint toward information needed. As the internet continues to grow and data becomes available, additional sites will become available that will allow us to gather information without stepping foot into a library. Additionally, there could be another internet for us to visit in the future.
Mind Map
The following is a basic mind map that I have created that will allow individuals a chance to see information that I believe follows the field of connectivism. Please feel free to critique and comment on information that is important that I have missed.
Terry,
ReplyDeleteGreat network! Are there any specific blogs that you read (in addition to the ones for our classes) that benefit your network?
I liked your comment about there are websites that allow us to never set foot in a library. I don't remember the last time I went to a library to do actual research. I do go to the library often to get pleasure reading books, or to pick up inter-library loan books for my research. But I do not remember the last time I spent hours doing research in a library. These ease of research is an incredibly impressive aspect of our growing networks!
At this time, I have found several blogs that I have read during research for a particular topic, however, have not followed on a regular basis. The information we share in these courses are beneficial to my future as an Education Technologist. Another item that I did not include on my mind map that has assisted are RSS feeds. Every now and then I come across a good article or document posted on various sites.
ReplyDeleteI am similar to you when it comes to the library. Most of the time I visit with my children and wife. If I want to look at anything associated with the Civil Ware, I will go to the library.
I am actually trying to talk my Library on campus to put money in next years budget for some Electronic Materials. Our current library does not have the space to house the necessary print materials to help the library grow. I hope my perserverance helps with this endeavor.
Terry,
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that your Mind Map is a dynamic tool that continues to grow as your knowledge base does. You have a good start. Just don't forget the human aspect as they are on your side with learning.
Hope this helps,
Golda
Terry, I think you'd love social bookmarking. Diigo and Delicious are two that I'm familiar with. As a Blackboard administrator, my campus has Blackboard Scholar, http://www.scholar.com/userHomepage.dobbb?op=view, which the previous Bb admin has turned off. In the next few months I plan to train faculty on its use and turn in on. I love the idea of an RSS feed in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteAt CSU Global we use Jones egloballibrary, http://www.egloballibrary.com/index.jsp. We love it! Maybe your school would be interested in this as a way to expand given their limited space.
I'm impressed Terry with your perseverance concerning your library. I've never been one to actually go the library except when I had too. It's sad really when I think about it, but I'm trying to change that with my son. It's so difficult with the technology we have today and going somewhere to pick up books, use a card catalog and gather the information? Some find that ridiculous since all you have to do is type "google or Bing" into a computer, look up the info and decide which one you want to use. How do you manage this Terry? How do we as a technological society teach our children the "art" of looking up information like we use too? Just curiou.. :)
ReplyDelete