10 Tools I Use For Digital Learning

I must admit that I am eager to jump into the digital learning fray with both feet. I have found myself to be an "early adopter" when it comes to new software, new gadgets, and new developments in Web 2.0.

Since there are so many opportunities, philosophies, and ideas that are being developed in the area of digital learning, I simply wanted to share some of my favorite tools. This isn't necessarily a "Top 10" list, rather, it is ten tools that I use that help to facilitate the learning that takes place for me on a daily basis.

1. Evernote
Evernote has been around for awhile as a piece of software that sits on your hard drive and collects information. They have recently made a HUGE leap by offering an online version. Now you can collect, tag, and store all of the bits of information you have in your Evernote account. One of the biggest breakthroughs comes in the form of OCR recognition of words contained IN images. Evernote scans your pictures and adds the words on the picture to your searcheable database. This is BIG.

2. Twitter
Twitter may seem like an annoyance to some, but I have found it to be a great source
of real time information. If you open yourself up to every feed you can get ahold of, then I could see where it might come across as a lot of "noise." But used selectively, twitter can give you updates from your favorite news feeds, sports teams, and point you to places you might not have found on your own.

3. Blackboard
Blackboard is a tool I use at our University. It's been developed for online educational settings. The excellent open-source version of this would be Moodle. I have both taken and taught classes using Blackboard. It is a helpful platform from which to organize information and collaborate on learning. It offers an extensive discussion board application and group collaboration tools.

4. Pandora
I know, Pandora is a music player. But it's more than that. This application taps into the Music Genome Project and will reveal new music and artists based on the parameters you give it (which is simply a band or artist who is similar musically). I have discovered a wealth of superb artists and music that I wouldn't have found otherwise.

5. iTunes U
iTunes U has become my automobile university. You can tap into lectures, speeches, classes, and a whole lot of audio/video offerings from colleges and universities around the country. And it's all free. Downloading lectures and lessons to my iPod has turned my daily commute into a classroom. More schools are being added everyday. There is so much to listen to.

6. Google Reader
I realize that you can choose from a number RSS readers out there. I've chosen Google Reader because it integrates well with my other Google Apps. Plus, I like the way it is organized and layed out. Suffice it to say, the key learning here takes place in the RSS feeds that you subscribe to. Because I've worked hard to hone and be intentional in my RSS subscriptions, I encounter a wealth of information and knowledge everytime I log into Google Reader.

7. Utterz
I just recently discovered Utterz and I must say, "I love it." Utterz allows you to set up an account to record audio, video, images, and text that you upload to the site. What I have found to be extraordinarily easy is that I can record audio by simply calling Utterz from my cell phone, and then Utterz will post the audio file on my blog (I had to set it up, but it's easy). I have begun recording audio posts from my car!

8. Slideshare
If you have a powerpoint presentation, Slideshare is an excellent way to get it "out there." Slideshare will convert your presentation into their online format and allow you to embed it on your own website or blog. It even allows full screen viewing of your presentation. Plus, you can add audio to coincide. This is a wonderful teaching tool that will enhance your written words.

9. Ebooks
This one isn't necessarily a site, although there are great ebook sites out there like ChangeThis! But ebooks have become a formidable part of my learning. Some people love 'em and some don't. I like ebooks because they tend to be quicker reads and packed full of good information. People who might be unable to get a book published can easily get their ideas and insights into an ebook. Plus, there is a greater portability to an ebook.

10. Google Maps
This tool may not seem to fit with the others, but it is an incredible piece of software. Basically, I can visit anywhere in the world and have some idea of what it looks like (from God's perspective...hee hee). Where was this when I was in geography? I have Google Maps on my phone, which allows me to always know where I'm at and find where I'm going. Plus, how much fun is it to have a friend tell you where they live and then pull up a bird's eye view of their house? Big Brother is watching.

I know that there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of great learning tools out there on the digital landscape. In fact, some of the tools you like might even be better than the ones I've mentioned. But we'll never know unless you tell us. So leave a comment and give a shout out to your favorite digital learning tool.
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Tim Milburn spends a lot of time online. He is a lifelong learner and is focused on developing lifelong leaders one student at a time. As he's quick to tell his students, "if you're not learning...you're not leading." You can read his work at www.studentlinc.net.

Comments

[Joanna Young]

Tim, this is such a practical post thank you.

I've just recently discovered the power of google maps, including contour lines (as I house hunt to avoid flood plains), travel routes, how long it'll take me to walk from A - B (and I love it doesn't assume I'll drive). Yesterday I wanted to send some flowers to an online friend in the US. I typed her address into google maps, found the nearest florist, checked their website, skyped them, booked the delivery, got a thanks from my friend via twitter about 2 hours later. Amazing.

Okay I admit Skype calls to the US are a challenge (I had no idea I spoke so differently, oddly, un-understandably... and vice versa the person on the other end!) but that's a different matter :-)

Joanna

[David Zinger]

Tim,
Thank you.
So many tools so little time.
University of Manitoba uses WebCT and I have not been thrilled with it and I look forward to checking out Blackboard or Moodle. We can have anyone doing courses with Moodle...an open rich world of learning.
Once again thanks for the tools and there goes any free time!
David

[Karen Wallace]

Hi Tim, these are some great tools, aren't they?

When Pandora first started up, we could get access here in Australia but they have tightened up the access, and now we aren't allowed to listen to it anymore. I was very disappointed as the opportunity to easily discover new artists was terrific.

As for Twitter - up to now I have resisted, but it seems that everywhere I turn in the last couple of weeks someone is telling me how great it is. Your words are the final impetus - I'm off to check it out.

Thanks!

[Rosa Say]

This is pretty neat Tim. I only use four out of the ten tools you have listed, yet your descriptions and my own online habits paint this great picture of the "Tim Milburn Day" for me. What surprises me though, is that you don't have any of your graphics apps here! Must be all your raw talent!

[Steve Sherlock]

Tim, good listing. I share a connection on a few of these. I got into a couple too early and did not do well so they have fallen out of use but when there is an opportunity, I'll go back and try the newest version. Sounds like they will be better. Thanks for sharing!