Suppl_eMINTS

Top 10 Learning Tools

Boy, I have really neglected this blog. Luckily, Jane Hart at the Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies gave me a reason to get this blog going again. Anyway, this is my list of top 10 tools for 2009…

1. Google Docs -I recently moved all my training session plans from my own Word files to Google Docs in order to more easily share them with my supervisor and other trainers. Additionally, I plan to begin keeping classroom visits and status reports so as to make me more mobile. The best part is that I can access my plans on my iPhone in order to keep with my pledge of going paperless.

2. Google Calendar – I don’t mean to make this a Google-specific list, but I can’t deny the value of this tool to my work as an instructional specialist. I share calendars with co-workers, teachers I train, and even my wife (is busy enough with her tenure-track, research 1 job at a large, state university). The embedding has allowed me to post my calendar in my Moodle space for my trainees. Also, Google Calendar’s ability to synch with my work calendar makes my whereabouts known to those who need to know.

3. Delicious – I’ve used Delicious for a long time now. In fact, I used it when it was known as Del.ico.us back in the day. The difference now is that I use the networking features to harvest the best content and tools from the Internet. I’ve even subscribed to my network’s feed to make harvesting easier than ever before.

4. Twitter -This is the reason for my lack of blogging, but that’s not exactly a bad thing. This Web 2.0 tool has expanded my networks ten-fold. There is a constant stream of information coming to me from my Twitter network and at <140 characters a pop, it’s very efficient.

5. Google Reader – Actually, any RSS reader will do, but this happens to be the one I go to. I don’t go to the information anymore; it comes to me. Now, I don’t miss a post from my favorite blogs and I’m able to keep up with my many networks (such as Twitter and Delicious) with little effort.

6. Prezi – This is one tool I have not really used yet, but I plan to master it over the summer and utilize it next school year. As one of the contributors to Hart’s list put it, “This should be the death of PowerPoint…” Prezi moves beyond the limited scope of a linear PowerPoint presentation, something I’ve struggled to convey to my trainees. I figure that if I can master Prezi, it will revolutionize my training sessions.

7. TwitterFox -The effectiveness (and addiction to) my Twitter network has never been better stronger since I downloaded this Firefox add-on. Now, instead of heading over to Twitter, filling up my Google Reader, or wasting time on TweetDeck, I can simply look to the lower right-hand corner in order to keep up with my Tweeps.

8. Elluminate – Working for an organization that has personel scattered all over the state, there is no way to have regular team or staff meetings. Additionally, gas prices (and our concern for the environment) have caused us to cut back on travel. An online tool for meetings was needed. Enter Elluminate. With its shared work space and file-sharing capabilities, it’s almost as good as meeting in the same room. Although it costs money to have the full availability of Elluminate, there is a “Three-For_Free” feature for those smaller get-togethers.

9. Moodle – As far as training teachers goes, this is the one tool I use the most for course organization and learning facilitation. Every schedule, resource, and link is there for my teachers and I’m able to password protect our copy-written materials and curriculum.

10. iPhone – Let me first say that I am not a phone person. Before I bought my iPhone, I used the work cell for everything, paying for only the minutes I used. After purchasing this tool, I quickly wondered how I ever lived without it. This gadget makes me completely mobile without having to haul a laptop or search out wifi while traveling all over central Missouri. I manage email, calendars, Twitter, Google Reader, and Google Docs just to name a few. The plan is to use it for record keeping of classroom visits next year. I won’t go anywhere without my iPhone.

So that’s my list. For more lists, go here and ready those Delicious bookmarks.

Picture Source: Wikimedia Commons