Learning+Tools

= Learning Tools =

There are so many great tools available for free on the web to support your learning. Everything from word processing, online storage for all your files, and collaboration tools. Here are a few to get you started.


 * 1) Skype- Many of us use skype to stay in touch with family and friends, but once you are in an online class, skype can be a great way to connect with classmates and hash out ideas and assignments. Check out
 * 2) Google Docs- Google now has a word processing, spreadsheet, presentation suite that continues to grow. You can save, share, upload and download your documents with ease. Also Gmail has a great search function that makes it easy to find "the" message. Check out www.google.com, if you don't already have an account there, create one and play around with all the options there. Your documents are stored in the "cloud" and won't fall victim to computer crashes.
 * 3) Dropbox- www.dropbox.comWe've all experienced or know someone who has experienced the horror of a computer crash- the evil blue screen of death that eats everything on your hard drive. Well this becomes even more of a concern if you are in college or taking any kind of course. All your work and a lot of your research will be saved on your computer. Two great ways to protect yourself are an external hard drive. Shop around and find one you like and can afford, then use it! The best external hard drive won't do you any good at all if you don't use it. Which brings me to my next favorite tool. Dropbox is free, cloud storage for all of your files. Go to the website, download the small file and copy anything important to dropbox. An amazing thing about dropbox is that it will sync across all the computers you use. For instance, sneaking in some classwork at work? Save it to dropbox and you'll be able to access the same file on your computer at home. This type of storage is called "cloud" and it's an excellent way to protect all your hard work.
 * 4) Google Reader- one of the google suite of applications that is so good I have to mention it separately! Use the same process as detailed above and look for Google Reader in the list of tools available through Google. Reader allows you to accumulate RSS feeds which then send new material directly to your Reader account- this way you don't have to go to individual websites, blogs etc to find the latest material. It can even be a great job hunt tool. Set up a search term at the job hunt site of your choice. Click on the RSS feed icon (orange square with curved lines) in you address bar or the RSS feed button in your favorite blog and new material will come to you all in one place.
 * 5) Grammar Tools - Don't groan- writing well is essential to success in any kind of learning. You don't have to be a great writer to start school, but you have to collect the tools you need to help your writing improve and to answer those last minute, up against a deadline questions. Here are some of my favorite tools:
 * Grammar Girl this is one of my favorites. Grammar Girl takes all those horrid grammar rules and breaks them down into easily understood clearly written snippets. Set up a RSS feed (Google Reader, above) and you'll never miss a tip.
 * APA Style Blog there are several citation systems used in academic writing. APA is most commonly used in humanities courses. This blog is an essential tool for writing as it includes a comprehensive citation system and guidelines for writing.
 * [|Grammar Monster] A great collection of grammar tips, everything from word choice to punctuation.

I wrote several articles for Examiner.com which might be helpful. Take a look and see what you think, there are lists of IPod apps, online learning tools and tips and a few other things, this link takes you to a list of all the articles: @http://www.examiner.com/online-learning-in-raleigh/julie-marciel-rozzi