Blog Post # 9 Analyzing My PLN

So much to be said at this point in the course. The board above was created on Realtimeboard. It was a great experience putting this together. After I got started ideas were coming from all directions. The words included in my board describe the way I feel about my PLN at this point.

I have slowly been building my PLN in this course. So far I have eleven companies who are part of my PLN. I also have 23 people and two organizations who are in my PLN. I have connected to individuals, businesses, and organizations whose purpose is to inspire people to be the best they can be. I've also connected with organizations who intend to help people succeed with their business.

Blog Post #8 Selected Technology

As I mentioned in a previous post I've chosen to research and learn more about Lucidchart. Lucidchart can be used to share information in a visual form. Having Lucidchart available will allow different types of learners to pick up information in a simplified way. This will make it easier to comprehend information which is unorganized and extremely detailed.

Lucidchart allows users to pick from a variety of different templates which best suits their needs. Lucidchart also gives users the ability to simply create their own template if they can't find one that suits their needs. Their templates include but are not limited to flowcharts and organizational charts.

The one thing I learned that disappointed me is a user can sign up for the basic/basic plan for free. However, one needs to pay a monthly fee to have access to more options such as team collaborations. Although the team plan only costs $21 per month it's still a cost to students wanting to use this technology to the fullest capabilities.  

Blog Post #7 Evolving Technology

I was really surprised to read the history of microsharing. I found it extremely fascinating to learn how the medical field pioneered the use of microsharing to their advantage. Before reading our chapters I had no idea the impact microsharing had on the network of medical professionals. It’s amazing how technology changed things for the better.

A long time ago I completed an internship in the Radiology Technology department of Magic Valley Regional Medical Center. I worked a couple of night shifts. There were a couple radiology techs but no doctors working these shifts. I remember thinking that was really strange.

Finally, I asked one of the techs how they were able to get results in a timely manner when doctors weren’t in the hospital. She explained they worked with a network of doctors located in many different areas of the globe. This allowed doctors in Twin Falls not to have someone working the night shift because a doctor in Japan could receive the images electronically during the day and make an assessment. I thought this was a brilliant idea.

It wasn’t until I reviewed our readings that I was able to connect my experience with the evolution of microsharing to what it is today. It truly takes change leaders to learn about and promote new technologies. Without the small group interested in using microsharing technology the way doctors currently share information would not be possible. I find that truly inspiring!

Blog Post #6 Growing my PLN

I joined the LinkedIn group Succeed: Small Business Network, Powered by Staples (https://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostRecent=&gid=4733823&trk=my_groups-tile-flipgrp) I selected this group because I would like to start my own business within the next five years. I reviewed the material this group offers and I felt it would be beneficial for me to absorb other people’s experiences with their businesses. I reviewed Bookkeeping Tips for Business Owners, and learned a great way to keep track of and document expenses is to use a business card instead of using cash. Doing so will show those charges on a statement which usually categorizes charges making it easier to track expenses.

I am now following Self Esteem blog (https://twitter.com/SelfesteemBlog) on Twitter. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I want to help women and children develop a strong sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and self-love. I followed this because I felt I would gain a lot of inspiration I could pass on to people I come into contact with. After exploring followers of the Self Esteem Blog I decided to follow Consciously Beautiful (https://twitter.com/CBIAmEnough). I believe Self Esteem Blog is following Consciously Beautiful because they share the same desire to help people see their true inner beauty. I chose to follow Consciously Beautiful because I loved their message: “…Consciously Beautiful: I Am Enough is an intimate depiction of real women on their quests to love the reflection they see in the mirror.” Love it!

Blog Post #5 Lucidchart

I've always relied on PowerPoint for school and professional presentations. Last semester students took turns constructing teaching materials for a specific chapter in one of the courses I took through ISU. Most everyone including myself utilized PowerPoint as the preferred method of presenting our assigned chapter. This changed the last week of student instruction (Perfect timing!).

One of the students used Lucidchart instead of PowerPoint to share her information. I was initially very hesitant as I was unfamiliar with the technology. After the initial learning curve I felt the technology was pretty intuitive and easy to follow. I found the new technology a much more interactive tool of sharing information with others.

I am excited to be learning more than just the basics of this technology when I begin working on my Wiki. I will be learning the ins and outs of this technology using YouTube. I’ll be able to watch different videos so I can gain knowledge from different perspectives and people. Stay tuned as this will revolutionize your view of presentation methods!

Blog Post #4 Twitter & PLN

Twitter was something I had always wondered about but didn't know a single thing about so I stayed away from it. After watching the various YouTube videos regarding the purpose of Twitter as well as how Twitter works I felt inclined to explore my newly created Twitter account.

After playing a bit I felt much more comfortable with this form of social media. I now see how Twitter can be critical when developing one's PLN. Gaining followers on Twitter is definitely a give and take relationship which can be extremely beneficial to both parties. I'm excited to continue working with Twitter. Stay tuned for that adventure. 

Blog Post # 1 Technology and Learning

Being part of Generation X has offered me the opportunity to grow up using many types of technologies. I've been taking classes online for a few years now so I've had the opportunity to experience how technology is incorporated with learning. Overall, I've had very positive experiences with technology. It's definitely helped me become more productive and efficient in my professional life. For example, I was in a class last semester where students were in charge of putting together teaching materials for an assigned chapter. Most everyone utilized PowerPoint to share the information, however there was a student who used Lucid Chart. I had no idea this technology even existed. There was a bit of a learning curve the first time I went through the presentation as I didn't initially realize how it worked. I'm very excited to do a little digging on this technology! I'll make sure to report my findings in a future post so keep an eye out!