Blog #3: Using Tools to Support Connected Learning

Chapter 5 of The Connected Educator is all about the digital tools that help educators build and maintain personal learning networks (PLNs). Technology plays a key role in allowing educators to connect, share, and collaborate globally. The chapter categorizes tools into three types: synchronous tools, asynchronous tools, and content curation tools. Examples of synchronous tools would be Zoom or Google Meet for real-time communication. An asynchronous tool would be like blogs or social media. This is any sort of site that allows for ongoing discussions and conversations to take place. Examples of content curation tools are Good Notes, Notion, or even Pinterest. These are sites used to organize and manage information. Educators are encouraged to build a personalized digital toolkit to match their learning goals. This would help them stay engaged and up to date. Overall, Chapter 5 emphasizes the strategic use of digital tools for connected learning.

This chapter is highly relevant to my aspiring career, which is social media graphic designing. The chapter is all about emphasizing the use of digital tools to build networks, share work, and manage information. Social media graphic designers often rely on tools like Instagram or Facebook to showcase work and engage with audiences. Content curation tools like Pinterest help gather inspiration and track design trends. Like educators building a toolkit, designers can create their own set of tools for content management. There is so much overlap between this chapter and my aspiring career. I am curious to know which of the three types of web tools (synchronous, asynchronous, or content curation) do you find most valuable to your career?

Smackdown #2: Using Figma

 

Figma is a great multipurpose tool. It is great for designing and creating, specifically websites or apps. Though, it is not limited to these. It is similar to a digital whiteboard. It is a great platform for brainstorming and getting your thoughts out. It has easy to use sticky notes, stickers, textboxes, and more. It is also super collaborative. Anyone on the shared file is able to edit and add to the project at the same time, similar to Google apps. There is a paid version as well as a free version, though I have never met anybody who ever needed the paid version to get their work done. I have used this app alot for my minor, Digital Studies. It is a great website for rough drafts. I will say that the FigJam feature (digital whiteboard) is super user friendly, but the Design File feature (app development) is a little trickier to figure out by yourself. Like all new things, it just takes some time to get used to, but I still think Figma is a really great tool. 

Chapter 6: Building Your Connected Learning Community

Chapter 6 of The Connected Educator focuses on the process of creating a personal learning network (PLN) to increase professional growth and collaboration. The chapter provides guidance on how to effectively establish connections that promote learning, communication, and professional development. The textbook states, “Personal learning networks help you leverage deeper connections and relationships, and from those networked relationships, you grow a community of connected learners and leaders” (Nussbaum-Beach / Ritter Hall pg. 92). I really liked this quote because it shows that PLNs are super collaborative.  As educators create relationships in a PLN, they are not just listeners or learners, but active contributors. Everyone in a PLN helps to build and sustain a learning community. This community is always changing, as our society is always changing. 

This chapter also relates to my future career of graphic design in many ways. For example, the chapter emphasizes the importance of building a personal learning network. Just as educators connect with peers and experts to grow professionally, designers can benefit from networking with other creatives, mentors, and industry professionals as well. These networked relationships can provide valuable feedback, inspiration, and even job opportunities. By joining online or local design communities, graphic designers can collaborate on projects, share resources, and support one another's growth, the same way an educator would. 

In conclusion, Chapter 6 of The Connected Educator emphasizes the value of building a personal learning network (PLN), which is equally important for aspiring graphic designers. By connecting with other designers, mentors, and industry professionals, graphic designers can enhance their skills, collaborate, and access career opportunities. Engaging in the community and using online platforms helps to stay current, share expertise, and grow professionally. Just like educators, graphic designers can benefit from a strong, connected network to support their learning and career success. How would the chapter relate to your aspiring profession?

Smackdown #1: Using Canva

  Canva is an app that can be used for creating literally any form of media. This includes but is not limited to slideshows, documents, graphics, graphs, videos, stationary, and even clothing designs. As a former Digital Studies major and current Communications major, I have used Canva for countless assignments. It is a great tool for bringing your creative ideas to life. Canva allows for so much creative freedom that services like Microsoft, Google, etc. cannot offer. I use Canva in my school work mostly when creating slideshows. There are tons of templates available for use as well as blank canvases that allow for full creative control. I also use the app when creating any sort of graph to organize data. The app just has so many uses and is super user friendly and simple to use. 

Canva is vital to me in my future career path as well. As somebody who will be looking for a job in social media graphic design or just graphic design in general, this app is a necessity. It is perfect for somebody who is not familiar with complex Adobe apps, but still loves to create. I have created countless infographics using this app and even love making them in my free time. I love playing around with all of the features on Canva and making designs literally just for fun. This platform does an amazing job bringing all of my designs to life. I literally swear by this app; it is a necessity!