The Tools
Tools in the Educational Technology Toolbox: A renovator's toolbox may include hammers, saws, screwdrivers and measuring tools. Educational technologists can apply a wide variety of tried and true applications or shiny and new tools. The tried and true MET tech tools include Learning Management Systems (LMS), blogs and wikis. Shiny and new tools include many web based and software applications.
The Tools - Tried and True
LMS - WebCT, Vista & MoodleA hammer is a hammer, but styles of hammers differ and how you use them varies dramatically. Such is the case with learning management systems. Being able to use and learn about the full range of tools within both WebCT and Moodle extended my skills using these 'hammers'. An essential renovation skill is knowing how to use an LMS and apply the unique affordances of each one, in order to hammer proficiently.
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BlogsTo apply a tool metaphor to a blog is difficult. Of all the tools in my own renovator's kit, this one has become as handy as a Phillips screwdriver. It's always there and easy to use. You get it out, even when you really don't plan to use it. UBC blogging began in my first course and has continued throughout the MET program. It is now a necessary tool in my personal and professional work.
View my UBC BLOG here. |
WikiThe handyman statement that you should 'measure twice and cut once' is true when it comes to wikis. My novice experience with wiki work has been measured against the expectations as stated in Wikipedia. My wiki creations have been laboriously measured and exacting in detail. Through ETEC 510, skills with html coding was applied to my "Hypertext" wiki submission.
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The Tools - Shiny and New
Concept MappingConcept mapping tools introduced during the MET program included VUE and Cmap. Others that were explored for task completion included Cacoo and Prezi. Recent investigations have uncovered additional tools in this section of the toolbox such as Mindmeister, LucidChart, and Popplet. View some of the CONCEPT MAP CREATIONS HERE.
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Media Creation and SharingCreating images, audio, podcasts, video, and integrated media presentations as well as screencasts all became part of my tool use during the MET program. Sharing through Flikr, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter are becoming more familiar as I 'renovate' my perspectives on personal and private spaces. Take a look at some of the MET MEDIA CREATIONS.
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Web based applicationsThe MET program introduce me to a wide variety of web based applications, too many to list here. Take a closer look at 'shiny', 'new' and frequently used WEB BASED TOOLS I have used through my ETEC courses.
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