This week in particular I was introduced to a tool that I had not used first hand. I know my peers had used the application before, but while in class I generally enjoying using the good old paper and pen note taking strategy. While exploring this tool I seemed to hit a few speed bumps, so to speak, and I felt the application lacked some tools that my previous digital note taking applications had. Cue the compare and contrast of Google Docs and Evernote.
Evernote did not have a back button, which frustrated me when I was trying to edit the formatting and would accidentally delete my work. This meant I would have to backtrack and either rewrite, retag, re-upload and re-edit my work. Additionally, there are not many options to edit the formatting; there were no spacing tools for the writing and the font options were pretty limited. I also found the fact that I could not seem to find the messaging tool (except when I reentered through the email I was sent with regards to sharing) and I could not save or favourite the note that had been shared with me. Additionally, the clipping tool (that was similar to Diigo) did not allow me to add a clipping to the note I was currently working on. I had to create a new note for every clip. So I ended up using the screen shot tool that's built into my laptop (Shift+command+4) and then manually adding the image and a link to the page.
On google docs I enjoy that once you are invited to share a document, it is automatically added to your list of documents. This makes it easy to find and come back to. I find there are many ways to edit and customize the document as well, and you can see when multiple people are editing the document at one time.
The one thing I did notice about Evernote that could be useful is the categorization of different notes into different notebooks. When studying at school or making notes for class this can be extremely useful to maintain organization. I don't think I will be adding Evernote to my PLE considering the alternative applications that seem to better suit my needs. I would use Diigo in combination with Google Docs to complete my research and work collaboratively online.
When exploring publications analyzing digital literacy I found a common definition being multi-literacies. This explains the necessity to utilize multiple resources through a critical perspective. Digital literacy as a modern application goes beyond the capability of accessing resources and having the ability to write online, but it encompasses the analytical perspective. The vast resources available to the public must be understood as not all reliable, and the information gathered should be cross referenced.
This week one article that stuck out to me was written by a Brock student, it outlined the way in which planning your time wisely can increase your efficiency and reduce stress levels. Although short, the post reminded me of the simple ways that I can ensure my learning goals are met; all it takes is a little planning.
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