Why iPads? Personal Learning System

Students who use technology to access information while using digital "tools" to support their learning develop a personalized set of resources for learning... a "go-to" technology toolbox. We call such a collection of tools and resources one's Personal Learning System (PLS). Students use devices, apps and Web tools to help with small assignments. They also need to be project managers who engage their PLS as they plan for long term assignments while often working as member of a team. Finding and using tools to be organized and collaborative is key to managing one's individual and group learning projects.   

A “personal learning system” can include support tools in a variety of categories. The following are just a handful of options among many.

• Communication- We use e-mail, phones, and social networks to connect with others. Examples: Gmail, texting, phone calls, Skype
• Collaboration- Communicating to share ideas, work on projects and innovate draws upon and develops skills for 21st century learning and the workplace.  Technology facilitates the process of developing, organizing and sharing those ideas. Examples: Google Apps, Moodle (LMS), Mindmeister
• Curation of Information- Personal Learning Systems are more effective with a place to store, organize, and share the information we consume and create. Examples: Google Drive, Dropbox, Diigo, Pocket
• Documentation of Information- We need places and modalities (i.e., voice to text) to record and responsibly cite the ideas we gather from others as well as to make our thinking visible. Examples: Noodle Tools, Evernote, Notability, Siri, Google Now, PaperPort Notes, Google Docs, Audioboo,
• Reference and General Information Gathering- Remember the day when we had a dictionary, thesaurus, calculator and maybe an encyclopedia within easy reach of our workspace? Today we have online versions of each, along with a rich variety of apps on our devices. Examples: language translators, Britannica, iTunes for Podcasts, Chrome Browser with Extensions, one's school library Web site (e.g.,WIS PS Library Web site).
• Task and Time Management- The paper planner and calendar do not provide all the services offered by a web-based event and task management calendar. We can now easily access our time management systems across our computing platforms and integrate appointments and tasks into our e-mail. Examples: Google Calendar, Todoist, Wunderlist
• Tutorials- Developing lifelong learners who know how to learn independently is one of our primary goals. Knowing where to go to not only gather information but to also learn specific skills via online tutorials is so important. Examples: Vimeo Education, Khan Academy

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