3 things I learned in class this semester that I believe were valuable, not only during this semester, but will continue to be valuable beyond this semester.
1. Twitter. I started using Twitter many years ago when it was a newly introduced platform. I never really got into it that much, and it was another technology that went by the wayside. When we were encouraged to use Twitter as part of this class, I'll admit that I wasn't really looking forward to it. But as I updated my profile, started following new users and connecting with new professionals as part of my PLN, I learned that it is not just another social media platform, but it has become a valuable tool as part of my PLN. It has become a resource for articles and opinions of others in my field and professionals whose outlook I value.
2. Image Capture. We learned about the snipping tool this semester, and it is super useful. I have started using this many times a week. It allows me to show a specific part of a document or my computer screen to create handouts or send images in emails to colleagues.
3. Blogging. I really appreciated that we were required to blog on a routine basis this semester. I used to blog weekly and simply got out of the habit. There is a lot of benefit to blogging timely and often, as it keeps my creative juices flowing and allows me to create useful content to share with others.
2 things I learned as part of my PLN and why these are useful/valuable to me.
1. Canva. This was a tool that I learned from our e-book. I love this tool! It will help me design handouts, flyers, and PowerPoint presentations with ease. There are hundreds of templates to choose from and it is extremely user-friendly. It helps my information look professional and is more engaging than the boring old formats so many of us have seen often.
2. Working From Home. Another thing I learned from my PLN by reading class blogs and Twitter is how working from home is becoming more and more prevalent. Working from home can be a huge benefit to both employees and employers. I had to work from home for a few weeks, and then worked a hybrid model by splitting my time between home and the office. Reading about both the struggles people experience while working from home, and about the benefits was useful to me, as I realized how much working from home had an impact on my productivity. I don't do my best work at home, and recognizing this allows me to be honest with my employer about needing to be in the office.
1 Thing I Will Never Forget and Why.
1. COVID-19! This semester (and 2020 in general) has been totally unforgettable due to the Coronavirus pandemic. It has impacted the way we work, learn, socialize, shop, and go about our daily lives. Everyone is wearing masks, we can't shake hands or give hugs, and it has put a metaphorical dark cloud over the entire year. March feels like the last time anything felt normal. While it didn't change my learning experience too much, since it was all online anyway, it has changed my mood, my creativity, and my drive. I will always remember 2020 as the year of the pandemic, the year I wasn't able to hug my friends or coworkers, and the year that everyone's faces were covered in masks. I'm hopeful that 2021 will show improvement, but 2020 will always be unforgettable.
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