ED Leadership Technology: Lessons Learned

My understanding of collaboration is people working together to reach a common goal by making valuable contributions to their team members through various methods.  These methods may include the use of virtual tools, Web 2.0 tools, discussions, activities, and reflections.  Also, throughout these collaborative efforts each member contributes by providing varying perspectives, sharing their unique talents and skills, proving leadership traits, and actively participating with the team.

Through the duration of my leadership journey, I have been exposed to a wealth of collaborative tools including: discussion boards, blogs, Web 2.0 tools, etc.  These tools are valuable in that they provide real time support and true collaborative efforts.  Members of various leadership communities are able to refine their knowledge and skills through the use of such tools.  In addition, I’ve learned of a new resource called Live Binders http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/365641 These Livebinders are designed for users to view, share, and create.  They are a true compellation of online binders which include various tools and topics for educators or any other professional wanting to refine their talents and skills.  Listed in each binder are: assignments, activities, ideas, web pages and links, resources, and blogs. 

In addition, I have also learned that a curator is a person who “locates valuable information, groups it in a practical manner, organizes it in a resourceful way, and finally shares the binder in the most relevant or practical manner by linking the content online.” Through my own exploration of the Livebinder link provided in our activity, I found numerous collaborative tools.  A few tools that stood out for me were Edmodo (an educational social networking site), Sliderocket http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/365641 (allows you to collaborate with your co-workers by creating and sharing presentations, slides and assets across organizations), and Museumbox http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/365641 (a unique way of collecting, creating, and presenting a new concept, theme, or objective.)

Because these binders are created in order to provide valuable resources in an organized manner, I would like to utilize Livebinders to better organize my collaborative tools and resources, so that they will be easy to collect, find, and share amongst my peers.

On a final note, I have become very accustom to using Google to identify unfamiliar words, terms, and phrases.