My network has made learning convenient. I remember when I was working on my bachelor’s degree in the 90’s, I would have to go to the local or university library in order to conduct research or use a computer. I remember spending endless hours sitting at a cubicle in the back corner of the library reading. In addition, when it was time to collaborate, that consisted on my assigned group meeting in a public place in order to have discussions. Now I am able to acquire knowledge at any given time or place with the help of my Smartphone or mobile hotspot. Both of these tools allow me the ability to connect to the internet and retrieve whatever information I need instantaneously.
One digital tool that facilitates my learning is a blog. Prior to becoming a student at Walden University, I had very little experience using blogs. I like how my program not only discusses the usefulness of the blogs but provides numerous assignments that require me to utilize the tool. I access blogs related to my course at least four times out of the week. Blogging allows me to share my ideas and thoughts and gain perspectives and ideas from others around the world. In addition to viewing blogs related to my courses at Walden, I also frequent teacher education blogs. These blogs have been very resourceful.
When I have a question, I usually go directly to the internet. It is a quick way to look for answers. Once I am on the internet I typically go to Google.com and do a search. Google provides me with multiple options to answer my question. By using the internet, I am able to receive an array of answers and perspectives. I usually end up with more than enough information.
LaTonya,
ReplyDeleteYour blog brought back memories of study groups meeting in the common areas of the university. Painstakingly typed notes and sharing information with my classmates was a major part of my academics when I was in college. Computers were not used much in the library - they were simply a fancy card catalogue then and microfiche was high tech.
Now, like you, I find myself more willing and able to access all kinds of information. Anything I don't know, I simply look up. In my house it is a common thing to hear the question, "Did you google it?"
Nice post!
Christine M.
Google is my number one search engine also. We Google EVERYTHING. I reflect on how we functioned in the past and how we function today and can not imagine what the future holds.
ReplyDeleteLaTonya,
ReplyDeleteI too had never used blogs until I enrolled at Walden. I never really had a desire to “diary-write” online to the world. That’s how I viewed blogs for a long time. My perceptions have now changed and I see the usefulness of blogs whether to keep family and friends updated on progress (like Caringbridge.com), or travels (a friend of mine just attempted an assault on the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro), or to discuss hot topics or educational ideas, etc. But there are a lot of blogs out there that are just diaries of a life in search of a life. So although I see their usefulness in many areas, I generally don’t turn to them as my first line of information.
As for Google, I love Google. But, I teach my students, and try to practice what I preach, to also try the same search on a different search engine. I want to teach my students (and myself) not to rely on only one source for information. We tend not to think that way when we search online because of the perception that all that is available will come up in a Google search so there’s nothing else we need to look for. That may or may not be true. However, I’ve never tested it because to do so would mean comparing every result in a Google search to every result in another search engine search. Quite frankly I don’t have the time or patience to do that. I what I tell my students is that the results come up based on frequency of words found, hits, extension associated with domain (they appear in alphabetical order), or who has paid to have their site listed first. So, it is always helpful to use a second or even third search engine so that you don’t have to scroll through a millions results. Just the first few pages of two or three search engines should give you a good sampling of what is out there. I want them to learn to check sources and that includes the search source they utilize at the start.
Good post.
-Christine R.