Learning Resources and technologies

Hello Readers

Firstly I would like to highlight the online tools that we use for PGCTT. 

1)  Moodle as a general learning management system and also within this Mahara, a content-free e-portfolio platform for which an online tutorial is available. 

2) (PowerPoint, Prezi, etc.) Wiki-Space, 

3) online videoconferencing tools (e.g., Google Hangout), blogs, and digital cognitive tools, i.e. critical thinking scaffolds as e-scaffolds, including cognitive mapping tools. 4) BigBlueButton (BBB). Real-time (live/synchronous) sessions will be conducted using BBB.

The online tool that I found very interesting and helpful is Bubbl.us

Bubbl.us is a Mind mapping service that helps businesses with collaboration, presentation, brainstorming, and visualization. Writers, musicians, teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs have used Bubbl.us to improve organization, study habits, and workflow.

Bubbl.us Features[1]
• Mind Mapping
• Brainstorming
• Flowchart
• Presentation Tools
• Project Planning
• Publishing / Sharing
• Templates

Best of all, students can share and collaborate with other Bubbl.us users. They can export charts as JPEGs or PNGs, or even as Web pages. Students can jump right in and start making charts with clicks or key commands. Customization options are limited, which makes the tool simple to figure out. For example, kids can choose text size, bubble color, and where to place bubbles on the screen, but beyond that, there's no control over the look of the chart. It might be nice to be able to customize bubble shape, fonts, or types of connection arrows, although tweaking the final project or report will be more important than tweaking the brainstorm[2].

Pros: It gives a good visualization then I tried using it especially there is a Free account. I was able to create and visualize my plan, the funnel mapping of a chatbot, and built the format super easy. I can also copy and paste it easily. I could also easily add a bubble between two bubbles that are already there. Super easy to modify and move things around. It's a very friendly platform for making brainstorming maps. After you finish your map, you can download in different kinds of file, depending on what you are requiring. Also, you can access them on any device that you have. Very easy to use, and save projects.
Cons: I think it's a bit over-priced for what it is, but I've always been a fan of the early (and free) versions. I don't subscribe to the paid version current. There should be a feature that lets you change the color of an entire branch. Well so far using it is easy. Maybe one thing I encounter is selecting multiple bubbles that I need to move. There is no easiest way to grouping them to move all at once.

The following link shows how to use bubble
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RDSnRolrhA

Moving o, what are the benefits in using OER?

·         Saves costs for students

·         Grants access to more quality choices

·         Helps prior learning and after learning

·         Provides peace of mind for all users

·         Showcases research to the widest possible audience

·         Enhances a school’s reputation as well as that of the teacher or researcher

·         Social responsibility – provides education for all

·         shares best practice internationally

·         Creates additional opportunities for peer review

·         Maximizes the use and increases the availability of educational materials

·         Raises the quality standards for educational resources by gathering more contributors

The 5 OERs that I have selected are listed below and the 2 that have been evaluated are highlighted:-

1.       MIT open courseware – Audio, video, lecture notes, tutorials, assignments, etc.

2.       Merlot – It is a digital hub. Linking to other OERs. Repository.

3.       OER Commons – It is a digital hub. Linking to other OERs. Repository.

4.       Open Course Library – Courses on Google drive. No video nor audio.

5.       OpenStax CNX – Openly licensed textbooks.

Please find attached my OER evaluation

References 

[1]"Mindmapping Tools – Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies", C4lpt.co.uk, 2020. [Online]. Available: http://c4lpt.co.uk/directory-of-learning-performance-tools/mindmapping-tools/. [Accessed: 23- Feb- 2020].

[2]"bubbl.us Teacher Review | Common Sense Education", Common Sense Education, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/bubblus-teacher-review/4020336. [Accessed: 23- Feb- 2020].

Useful Links

https://ocw-origin.odl.mit.edu/

https://cnx.org/

https://oer.psu.edu/benefits-of-using-oer/

https://mycourses.unh.edu/courses/27454/pages/advantages-of-using-oer?module_item_id=368190

Thanks
Hiye