Weekly Report & Reflection blog post #4

Image: http://www.shoutmeloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Content-Curation-Monetization.jpg

This week I learned an effective way on how to use bookmarking tools and tagging more consistently and easily. I usually bookmark my websites through my google chrome browser and although it is good to have, Diigo is a much better bookmarking tool, especially for students. The fact that I have complete access to my bookmarks from one electronic device to the next holds value. This bookmarking tool is particularly useful when I am completing a group assignment, no longer will I have to lug around my laptop because it's in the 'cloud', where it can be accessed anywhere and anytime. The use of tagging according to the website, works as a filter to have all of one's knowledge organized. Additionally, they make the process easier by categorizing content, sharing resources, and helping others to find information more quickly. Tags are best for diverse and disparate information, in my learning I will definitely use it for categorizing and searching for particular information.

Valid and reliable online bookmarks contribute to my work in building knowledge by 

1. allowing my work to be stored 
2. knowing the differences between valid and unreliable sources

With that being said, all work that is worth being bookmarked is considered to be reliable and valid. The bookmark plug-in I used in Chrome did not allow me to access my saved bookmarks, however, the use of Diigo has lead me into keeping my information organized and to improve my search rather than using the first thing that pops up on the screen. Using the Evaluating Websites Using the T.R.A.S.H. test listed useful points I plan to incorporate in my search for sources. At the same time, according to Bharati Ahuja's blog, If You Can’t Be a Creator, Then Be a Curator, "content curation is about finding the most relevant content about a topic online and listing all the relevant links found on that topic after a thorough research on the web" (Ahuja, 2012, October). Its uses are to collect 'curated' resources that suit the particular needs of the user, researching for reliable sources, and keeping content organized. It's primary goal is to make information more useful to its audience in terms of context and convenience. I envision using the tool to contribute to my work in building knowledge for class assignments. The reason being that all the information that I would need to complete the assignments would be in one place.  

Moving on, this week I read a lot of interesting articles, book reviews, blogs, etc. and came across a particular one titled 10 Simple Hacks To Land Better Grades Possible in College. I'm almost 100% sure that collegeblender.com has become one of my favorite blog sites. Every blog they've posted since I started following them on my Feedly has been VERY useful and relatable! To return, this weeks blog post of choice gives readers 10 ways to land better grades. These include: 

1. Keep a positive outlook 
2. Attend all classes 
3. Get a planner today 
4. Keep your test papers, homework, and class papers 
5. Don't forget to use the textbook 
6. Be better in taking tests 
7. Form study groups 
8. Read in your spare time 
9. Bye, procrastination! 
10. Study and study and study 

For me, number 3 sticks out the most because I feel like this is where it all starts. One key way to success is organization, a term that I always stress because it is honestly the best practice to build and have. Without organizational skill it'd be difficult for the remaining tips on the list to occur. After reading this blog, organization was the only thing I could think of. When you are organized it will be easier and everything will fall into place one after the other. University, or even school in general, does not have to be a pain, but rather the way you organize and prioritize yourself will make it all better, trust me, you'll see when you try.

References

Ahuja, B. (2012, October). If you can't be a creator, then be a curator. Retrieved from http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2221068/If-You-Cant-Be-a-Creator-Then-Be-a-Curator