Technology Blog #3: Using Tools to Support Connected Learning

     This chapter highlights the benefits of using Web Tools. It provides information and gives advice that anyone can use and navigate resources that will work best for them. Even beginners who are new to technology can find ways around challenges and use these opportunities to their advantage. The chapter gives insight of tools used for saving information and organizing notes when reviewing websites and online content. This is described as tagging and bookmarking which allows users to keep organized and highlight useful information online. The reading suggests sources such as Delicious and Diigo. This chapter explains how people can use tools like blogs, RSS readers, podcasts, microblogs, and wikis to collaborate with others. By sharing written and spoken information we can all connect as a community to create new ideas. This way of communicating is advantageous to everyone with a passion for growing in knowledge and building a strong support network. These tools allow people to express themselves freely and put their opinions out there for enjoyment or help in gaining new insight. 

The reading explains how social networking and extending learning can be useful to developing who you are as a person, student, or professional in your workforce. We often think of all these tools as something that can only be useful in our careers and education, but this chapter opened my mind to bigger things that these tools can be used for. For example, the Ning website helps people as parents. All of these networking opportunities are so valuable to us for anything that interests us, we want to learn more about, or express to others. The chapter sums up explaining that creating a professional reputation online will guide you through a successful journey of online resources. 

This chapter has definitely given me useful information and tools that I am now considering to use for my own personal growth. I would like to use these tools in my future career as a physical therapist to overcome challenges that may come my way or to turn to for general guidance.  The resources this book provides can assist me through reaching my goals and navigating information that will make my experience as a physical therapist successful. I can find an encouraging network system that will push me past my limits. The online tools that allow me to focus on specifics and save what is most important to me will be crucial to effective patient care. Using this will help me update my knowledge and work with other physical therapists to improve my abilities to treat patients.