It’s the end of #etmooc orientation week and, for the most part, I think I’ve got myself sorted with the help of several tech tools:
- WordPress.com: After registering for #etmooc, I started this blog to reflect on all the cool and exciting things I’ll learn in the next 10 weeks. I chose WordPress over other weblog publishing tools because I appreciate the clean and professional aesthetic of many of the templates. The dashboard is not always user friendly but a quick YouTube tutorial is usually all I need to get me back on track.
- Evernote: Oh how love thee! I created a brand new stack of notebooks where I’ll stash links to articles & blog posts; save tweets that inspire me; jot down fresh new ideas to try; clip provocative G+conversations…and much, much more.
- HootSuite: Unfortunately, twitter chats happen while I’m at work…boohoo. I saved both the #etmooc and #etmchat hashtags – displayed side-by-side – so that I can still participate in conversations during my bus ride home.
- Google Reader: I added the #etmooc & BlogHub to my otherwise empty Reader. To be honest, I’d rather use Flipboard for this since that’s where I do most of my weblog reading but for some reason, the BlogHub RSS wouldn’t cooperate. Oh well, such is life.
- Blackboard Collaborate: I downloaded the app to my iPad for those rare occasions when I don’t have to work and can log into a session. Thank goodness for archived sessions!
- Google+: My self-introduction post led to new connections with other information professionals, including Heather Martin, who created a G+ circle specifically for #etmooc librarians – yippee!
MOOCS can often feel overwhelming so I tried to weave #etmooc into my existing streams of information, making it easier to connect and engage. Which tech tools have you found useful while organizing your #etmooc experience?
Monika MOOC-ing 
Hi Monika
Personally this is one of the times I prefer to read the full post easily by bringing Google Reader into an app like Reeder however you can add the ETMOOC to FlipBoard.
All you need to do is add your Google Reader account to FlipBoard, then tap on drop down arrow at top once you’ve added Google Reader, tap on Feeds and Folders then select ETMOOC blog hub.
I’ve also added the ETMOOC hashtag to FlipBoard which makes it easier to keep with the hashtag than using a Twitter app.
Sue
@suewaters
Hi, Monika –
I think we’re in the same place: a bit shellshocked from the first week of #etmooc, but taking time to sort out and organize new resources and connections for the upcoming weeks & months of the course. I like how you’ve structured this post, and am interested in how well the iPad app works for Blackboard Collaborate – I’ve not used it yet.
I dig the layout of your blog! I’m a big WordPress fan 🙂
Looking forward to hearing more of your reflections.
Thanks a bunch, Sue! Would you believe that I never noticed the drop down arrow before you pointed it out? You’ve revolutionized my Flipboard experience!
David – I’m going to use the Blackboard app for tomorrow’s session (my very first opportunity to attend a live one – yay!) and I’ll definitely let you know how it goes.
Hi, Monika,
Glad that my tip helped! There is so many tips to getting more out of FlipBoard. If you haven;t added the ETMOOC hashtag, all you need to do is add a Save search to your Twitter account for the hashtag, then add your Twitter account and select the saved search. Here’s how to save a search – https://support.twitter.com/articles/96646-how-to-save-searches#
Also being thinking about why you couldn’t add the feed. You could have probably added it if you had used http://etmooc.org/hub/feed/ because Google Reader is automatically able to detect RSS feeds while other types of Feed Readers can’t do this and you need to add the feed URL. This is handy to know when using a Feed Reader that needs the complete Feed URL.
Sue
Sue, you’re my hero!
Hi Monika
I’ve just written a new post to share other ways of working time effectively. My explanation on using IFTTT is handy for setting up an automated process of sending tweets you favorite to Evernote. You might find it helpful -http://suewaters.com/2013/01/22/work-smarter-and-stay-connected-in-a-learning-community/
Why am I feeling suddenly inadequate? LOL
Hi Sue, I stumbled upon a content curation questionnaire on Beth Kanter’s blog (http://bit.ly/XyB3r4) today and it’s made my reconsider my approach to #etmooc, as well as my overall PKM. I’ve filled out the questionnaire and am now mapping out my own @debseed-type data curation workflow (http://bit.ly/VhDa3K). With a fleshed out mindmap in hand, I’ll definitely head back to IFTTT and add some recipes. Thank you so much for all your tips! I loved your blogpost!
Seahawk, I’d love to hear about your content curation plan!
Haven’t chatted with Beth Kanter for several years! Time flies 😦
Saw Deb’s curation workflow shared during one of Alec’s sessions this week . Been thinking about it for a few days, and you can mutter at me, but wondering if worth expanding it into a work flow i.e. expand it beyond just curation from how you read, through the thought process to curation and to writing posts.
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