Jane's Pick of the Day

Social media in learning

Note: This is a cross-post from my other blog, Social media in Learning, for those who don't read/subscribe to it.

I am constantly being asked, by those new to social media, for specific examples of how social media (Web 2.0) tools can be used for learning - whether it be for personal learning, informal learning or formal learning - in education or the workplace. 

So I have now created a list of over 100 ways that different social technologies (and tools) are being used by learning professionals worldwide - compiled from those who have contributed their Top 10 Tools for Learning:

100+ ways to use social media for learning

iNatomy

iNatomy is an iPod anatomy learning resource.

"Whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student, in medicine, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, kinesiology, or other health profession, you probably could use some help in learning all those structures."

iNatomy

SuTree

SuTree is an online index and library for free video-based lessons, tutorials, lectures and how-to's.

"We nurture the ultimate tree of knowledge: the world's largest index & library of free video/audio
lessons, tutorials, lectures & how-to's.   Our content is handpicked by our users and then examined by our team/community"

SuTree

Museum Open Learning Initiatives (MOLLI)

MOLLI is a partnership project between the Royal Albert Memorial Musuem, Exeter and the Telematics Centre. Initially funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the DfEE, MOLLI aims to extend and enrich cultural and heritage experiences in both the local and wider community to provide for lifelong learning.

Within MOLLI the WWW and other new technologies are used to develop the strengths of the displays and reserve collections, to promote access to the 5-16 National Curriculum and extended learning opportunities for young people and to meet wider continuing educational and leisure needs.

MOLLI

Nano Learning from Image Dynamics

Image Dynamics™ is described as "a powerful nano-learning technology that accelerates individual and team performance through a journey of self-discovery and deep reflection. By engaging people at a deep emotional level it creates self-awareness for personal leadership growth."

The nano-learning animation programmes create miniaturised learning modules of 30-120 seconds.

Take a look at the free Nano-coaching session - described thus: "This 2 minute coaching session will take you on a journey of self-discovery and deep reflection through an accelerated learning process. This powerful learning experience will help you to crystallize strategies, break through self-limiting beliefs and gain a new perspective."

You can find out more about nano learning, Image dynamics and Keith Bound, who has designed this technology at http://www.keithbound.com/index.asp

Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing is a podcast series that has been getting some press in the States. 

"Grammar Girl believes that learning is fun, and the vast rules of grammar are wonderful fodder for lifelong study. She strives to be a friendly guide in the writing world."

Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

A Million Penguins

Even with all the talk abut wikis, I know that many people struggle to understand how they can be used.  A number of the corporate wiki implementations I have seen simply enable individuals to create personal web pages, and there is no collaborative effort involved.  So I find the best way to explain the potential of wiki technology is to demonstrate it in action. And here is a great example!

A Million Penguins is a collaborative novel that can be written, edited or read by anyone, anywhere using wiki software.  Penguin Books launched the novel on Thursday, 1 February 2007 and since that time it has had a lot of heavy traffic and a number of the chapters are on the go.  I expect we will see more examples of novels being written in this way in the future.

A Millions Penguins

3D Virtual Campus

On January 27 I made a posting, about EduNation, the first private island simulator in Second Life dedicated to online training seminars and conferences.  A couple of days ago I read about Sweden setting up a virtual embassy in Second Life.  I've just now found out about LaSalle College in Montreal opening a virtual campus in Second Life.

"Students will attend class by means of their avatar, which they will have created previously. Led by an avatar instructor, classes will offer many of the advantages of the traditional classroom, including interaction, discussion, feedback, etc."

For more information and to access the campus in the Albulata region, see LaSalle College continutes to innovate as it opens a 3D vritual campus in Second Life.

Splendid Speaking

Peter Travis, of Splendid Speaking, produces a weekly podcast for advanced level English Language students. Students contact him to sign up for an interview through Skype.

The interview will be student driven and the content will be determined by, for example, the particular exam they might be doing or a situation at work that they want to practise for such as an interview or meeting. The interviews are recorded using Powergramo and then posted as a podcast for other advanced learners to listen to. 

Each podcast features an introduction to the skill being looked at, the interview itself and then feedback from Peter on the student's performance. 

The podcast is hosted at Podomatic:  Splendid Speaking.

[This example of the use of free tols to create podcasts appears on the Podcasting page of my Guide to Choosing and Using Free E-Learning Tools.]

Science Cafe

Although the Science Cafe is billed as "a weekly conversation about the culture, conduct and community of science", the fuller explanation of this activity from the University of California, San Francisco  (UCSFO) is very engaging and enticing:

"Science at UCSF is a human endeavor — with a heart, a rhythm, moods, personality, language and, yes, failures. But so often when telling the story of science, we frame it as a straightforward march to discovery. The details and the context, the circuitous path of research, the process and sometimes the people themselves are neglected.

In short, we seldom have the opportunity to tell the story behind the story or to discuss why it is important or, better yet, to talk about science when breakthroughs are not presumably imminent.

Each week, the Science Café will give you a seat at this table. From stem cells and what sells to great ideas, yeasty trends and budding controversies, we will be developing a menu for your mind. You can just "listen in" or, if the mood strikes, join in the conversation by offering comments or suggesting topics."

Science Cafe