The personal learning network that I chose to use was pulse. It can be found at the following link
http://www.pulse.me/david_cordova/news I like pulse because it gives me access to vast array of news and information from sports to politics and from sources like Time magazine, Sports Illustrated, USA today, NY times among others all in one place. It updates frequently. The biggest attraction was their mobile web app. I choose to add the interest because they are what I like to read about on a daily basis. Check out Pulse! The internet has impacted my personal learning by providing access to information that was previously not available, specifically by the access of this information from the comfort of my home or any where an internet connection is available. This makes a big impact on leaning. For example, in previous times I had to go to the library to seek information out. I had to spend time looking for books then go find them, then take notes and or check them out. This was a time consuming process. Now, I can simply log on to the school library and I have access to a variety of academic periodicals and ebooks. The biggest difference is the access.
I visit wikipedia a lot to get new information. I know this is not the most reliable site hence I do not cite it or use it for academic work. However, wikipedia provides me with basic background info than I can later further research. The internet can be distracting when I succumb to the temptation to log on to social networks, specially through the use of mobile phone apps. For example, I have checked my phone about 4 times during this spell of work. 4 times! Social networking can take up a greater part of my time and it can prolong the work that I am doing if I do not make an effort to ignore it. Technology is essential to learning. It can, however, be a double edge sword yet I still feel that the benefits of technology on learning outweigh the drawbacks or distractions that techonoly presents. In my work as a coach, I feel that I am really on when dealing with the tactical aspect of the sport. When I'm on the soccer field and coaching technique and tactics I feel that is my sweet spot. I am smooth with my language, deliver information in a precise, concrete yet brief manner. Being on the field and interacting with the athletes is when I feel at my sweet spot.
I feel like a fish out of water when dealing with managerial aspects of coaching. Creating budgets, scheduling, planning fundraisers, being in meetings and dealing with non athletic oriented people, all these aspects of managing a team feel alien to me. I do it because it is part of my job and I can tolerate it. However, I find that this is not one of my strengths. I would much rather spend my time helping athletes learn the game or helping the athletes plan their class schedules rather than any other non athletic related aspect of coaching. Twitter allows user to establish some type of connection with athletes, coaches, teams, leagues and any other sports media to stay updated and connected. Microblogging allows access to personalities that otherwise may seem distant to sports fanatics. For example, I can follow the Raiders and stay updated on injury reports and team news. Moreover, I can follow the athletes and feel a connection to what they are going through or get updates on what they are doing on a daily basis. Tweets provide followers with a connection to sports figures that may otherwise be two dimensional or simply seen on the TV screen. You can also mention these personalities in a tweet, ask questions etc. and may be, just maybe, get a reply. Twitter and microblogging simply provide a way to connect with individuals or organizations. that may not be easily accessible.
I feel that the sample blog by Deanna Butler is a good example of a PWP. She presets a neat blog which is easy to navigate as well as aesthetically pleasing. She provides links to extensive and relevant information about herself, her career and her philosophies.
I like that she has pictures up to maintain the reader's interest. I also like that her layout is simple and not too crowded. You can easily navigate from page to page and the blog is not too saturated with different options. The simplicity of the site is what I like the most. I think an improvement to the page can be her first page. Although I like how simple it is, and the pictures, I have no clue on the purpose of the blog. Is it a coaching blog? I'm unaware of what the profession of the individual is until I navigate to other buttons. I would put some pictures that indicate the educator's interest. I feel DeAnna presents herself as both personal and professional. The home page is about her personal interests and the rest is about her professional interest. You can tell by the coaching philosophy posted. The features that I would copy would be the social media links and the coaching philosophy. I would change the personal feel of the page and maintain it strictly professional. |