Tools, uses and software

The main tools that are discussed in this E-resources kit are shown in Figure 1 (below). There are more being 'named' all the time so it’s not an exhaustive list.

If there’s something you use that is not included, please email the project manager, Mary Hannan, <mhannan at ala dot asn dot au>.

Many of the tools are 'bundled together' in sofware applications. For example, in a Learning Management System there may be discussion boards, voice boards, wikis, chats surveys or any combination of available tools.

However the current trend, described in Web 2.0, is to use individual, 'end user' controlled tools connected via the newer social networking tools of the Internet - a transition of the World Wide Web from a collection of websites to a full-fledged computing platform serving web applications to end users.

For example, learners might have their own blog, use instant messenging to connect with other learners, use mobile tools to submit project results and contribute to a shared wiki. They might share resources like online information, favourites/bookmarks and favourite blogs, which are collaboratively ‘tagged’ or categorised in informal ways. This is all done openly on the Net so individuals can ‘see’ what others are viewing and finding useful.

Tools

Figure 1: Tools - click to view larger image

Tools and Uses

Figure 2 (below) shows the tools (in the inner circle) and some ideas on how to use the tools (in the outer boxes). This is also not an exhaustive list and there are many other ways of using the tools for your circumstances.

Figure 2: Tools and Uses- click to view larger image

Tools, Uses and Software

Figure 3 (below) shows some of the software associated with these tools. It's worthwhile seaching for others if the ones shown don't quite meet your needs - there are usually lots to choose from. Any which are cost based are marked with an '*'.

Figure 3: Tools, Uses and Software- click to view larger image

All these graphics have been created with Cmap Tools, a free mind-mapping software tool.