I think I like this place much better than Blackboard for sharing and socializing around articles and topics. How about you? I think I need to figure out how to use the app on my phone, next.
I'm beginning to appreciate diigo although I haven't contributed much, thus far. What I appreciate about diigo is the constant presence in my Yahoo email which prompts me to check in and see how an idea is being addressed by others. And, I'm really enjoying Tony McNeil's "Digital Migrant" blog. I've just scratched the surface, but appreciate its scope and depth. Interesting to see the evolution of perspectives and experience (having originated in 2007).
Anyway, regarding Blackboard vs Diigo - there is a brief discussion on McNeil's DM regarding how to think about creating a virtual classroom where students can "reflect, publish, give, receive and act on feedback, work together, generate and share ideas collaboratively etc. McNeil states he doesn't think there is one right tool for these different "overlapping activities." This seems to be the evolution of elearning & instruction, however, I still find using multiple tools somewhat disjointed. However, I also appreciate the capacities of what each tool offers such as VoiceThread (we were introduced to this in our 1st course) for student work, not discussions.
I'm working on a post about what I've learned the first few weeks in this course. What's very interesting, is that I'm also supporting 3 other courses, and the experience with technology and community is very different in each of them. You're right about there not being a single tool that suits every group. I think we have a responsibility to know the tools, so we can weave them in appropriately as we get to know the people. I'm glad you're digging in and finding things that interest you :)
Anyway, regarding Blackboard vs Diigo - there is a brief discussion on McNeil's DM regarding how to think about creating a virtual classroom where students can "reflect, publish, give, receive and act on feedback, work together, generate and share ideas collaboratively etc. McNeil states he doesn't think there is one right tool for these different "overlapping activities." This seems to be the evolution of elearning & instruction, however, I still find using multiple tools somewhat disjointed. However, I also appreciate the capacities of what each tool offers such as VoiceThread (we were introduced to this in our 1st course) for student work, not discussions.