This year, Microsoft has made Office available for the iPad, iPhone, a preview available for Android, and even dropped the price to free. Meanwhile, the incumbent, Google Drive and its associated apps, have been building out features. Today, we compare the two on mobile.
This article focused on the theory and gives good if not great detail on the reasonings for the theory of connectivism. It stresses the importance of the individual driving the learning, the digital ages importance, and the idea of interaction for learning.
This video was really helpful. The only thing that has changed is Desmos is not available as an add-on to Google Drive. I had to go to the Desmos webpage but everything else worked well. This will come in handy as I create more project-based lessons.
A simple video screen recorder for Chrome, Chromebooks and Chromeboxes. The free version allows users to record up to a 10 minute screencast. Screencasts can be saved in either Google Drive or YouTube.
A PLN or Professional/Personal Learning Network is a tool that uses digital information like social networks to collect, communicate, collaborate, and create with similarly minded people all over the world at any time. PLNs aren't being widely used because of the challenge to navigate the resources. PLN's do drive collaboration and technology is the tool that fuels it. They are a way to connect with people to share and discuss things the people share interest in. You can start a PLN by getting online and joining blogs, twitter, and message boards about what you are interest in.
I like this article because it gives teachers a clear definition of what a PLN and how to connect to one. I am new to using social networking professionally so I am interested in learning ways to connect to PLN that would benefit my classroom.
Thomas Whitby is an educator that I have followed on Twitter and consider a valuble member of my PLN. So it is fitting that I would include an article written by Mr. Whitby explaining the purpose of a PLN. Mr. Whitby explains that PLNs use social media and technology to collect, communicate, collaborate and create with like-minded individuals. Unlike traditional professional development sessions, PLNs can take place any time and anywhere through the use of the WWW. Each PLN is uniques and serves its own purpose and each member is a potential source of information. Mr. Whitby concludes his article with information on how to build a PLN and links to PLN resources.
This article gives the definition of a PLN and answers the question of why they are important. It also talks about potential barriers, this is important! It also has links to other resources for PLNs.
This blog post thoroughly defines PLNs, even addressing the debate over its acronym. Is it professional or personal learning networks? This post settles on a happy medium: personalized learning network. This entry goes beyond the definitions as it addresses both the barriers to PLNs and what can be gained from them. It also offers suggestions on how to build a PLN and helpful links.
According to this sites definition of a Personal Learning Network, this Diigo group meets the definition ("a tool that uses social media and technology to collect, communicate, collaborate and create with connected colleagues anywhere at any time"). The article continues by stating that each member becomes "a source of information," which leads us back to connectivism, making connections, and learning.
This website defines and discusses PLNs as used by educators specifically. This article talks about how to start or get involved in a PLN, barriers educators face in using PLNs, and benefits of using PLNs.
Check out this dissertation study that analyzed Apple Distinguished Educators as a social media platform for personal learning and networking. Chapter 2 displays an excellent overview of literature related to social media and communities of practice.
Eller, L. S. (2012). Social media as avenue for personal learning for educators: Personal learning networks encourage application of knowledge and skills (Order No. 3498101). Available from ProQuest Central. (925788703). Retrieved from http://libproxy.boisestate.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/docview/925788703?accountid=9649