Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Week4 - Delicious!

We are into week four and finally utilizing a tool with which I have some experience...that being said I had some adjusting to do. When I first used Delicious a year or so ago, I downloaded the buttons that stayed on my browser. When Delicious changed things a while ago, I didn't bother to follow up with it so I basically had to start over. Apparently I didn't use it as much as I thought I would!

I don't know about the value of using Delicious in education. I suppose it lends itself to many of the tasks we have already mentioned - networking between coworkers or professionals, class projects, developing networks for students. At this point I think it boils down to which tool you like and with one is easiest for you to use. One advantage to Delicious is that students and teachers may find themselves using various computers and devices that access the internet. Having your bookmarks available at any given time may be very convenient and a time saver. For me, Delicious falls somewhere between RSS feeds and Wiki. I am more likely to use it than RSS because it is my own bookmarks and they can be organized in a way that makes it convenient to use. I think I would lean toward the Wiki for networking, planning, and group work however. It just seems like a better platform for me.

My Delicious

The Trends and Issues chapter was very interesting to me as I hadn't really thought about Educational Design and Technology as a career. My focus has always been on what is available to me and who can teach me to use it correctly! In many ways the chapter reminded me of my own struggle to define my vocation,  Music Therapy, and define it for others. When a field is relatively young I think definitions change and evolve frequently as it seems this one has. As you gain experience you realize the potential and the influence of your profession and naturally seek to define it more clearly. This seems to be the path of Ed Tech according to this chapter. I must confess that when looking at this topic I expected to explore various programs and types of technology (computer, iPad, communication devices...) and didn't think along the lines of designing learning strategies and assisting learners. I also like that the definition opens the field to all types of learners, specifically with a focus on workplace learning. In our organization we talk about creating "life long learners" and technology is important along the entire spectrum of learning.

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