Relevant and Innovative Learning Scenario (RILS) for LiveBinders

Being that I have also decided to utilize LiveBinders (my original ET reviewed), I’ve decided to introduce a bit more detail about this new Web 2.0 tool in this review post.

LiveBinders.com provides users with a universal organizational tool

In the perfect world, the ideal learning environment would have ideal tools. Through this post I believe that I have discovered the perfect tool for my ideal learning environment.

Features

• LiveBinders allows users to go paperless in an otherwise cluttered world.
• Upload both Word Docs and PDFs to their LiveBinder
• Synchronize binder updates from a central location
• Reduce concerns about designs and formatting
• Share LiveBinder presentations and collaborate on the creation process

Usability

After introducing LiveBinders.com to my group of learners I quickly learned that some users would require a bit more time to fully grasp the concept.

• Besides Video Tutorials, LiveBinders.com also offers The Knowledge Sharing Place Webinars.
• Users can make suggestions for video and webinar topics.
• Following the LiveBinders Blog is another option
• Classroom 2.0 LIVE allows users to revisit past webinars to learn about tips, tricks and problem solutions.
• There is always a Help tab for users to refer to with an email link to LiveBinders’ support team.

My Learning Experience

By following the steps I’ve outlined for the learners in my RILS plan I have discovered the following:

• The user must be thorough in describing the steps necessary to complete work related tasks (I followed the steps documented by one learner and became lost when simple steps were omitted)
• Outlining and prioritizing steps and deadlines and become overwhelming for the user since they can see all of their work and due dates in a single layout.
• Organizing with tabs and sub-tabs helped to put the work in perspective and made the work outlook appear more manageable
• The finished product set me at ease knowing that I can locate all details of my calendar and future projects in one online location. (I can also save the elements of my projects there as well).

My NEW Discovery

I have a new method for organizing my AR Capstone project; LiveBinders.com has made the rest of the process that much simpler.

LaToya

What are LiveBinders and how can they help me?

The use of Personal Learning Environments and Emerging Technology are new concepts for me since I am not what you’d consider a traditional educator/teacher. With my experience as both a military and healthcare instructor you would expect me to have collected a plethora of instructional tools with cutting edge technology and capabilities. But such was not the case, much like the approach to today’s standardized public education; the non-combative departments of the U.S. military often follow well behind the technological wave. This of course is the exact opposite of departments that train and deploy combat ready personnel and unmanned drones. As a matter of fact the use of Web 2.0 tools and open source software is widely frowned upon in both the defense and healthcare fields. The problem is that many outside software programs have not been tested for compatibility and security issues and system integrity is essential to the stability of both fields. Moving further into the educational community has helped me to see the benefits of working within an open learning environment.

LiveBinders.com

Of the new technological tools I’ve been able to locate I have found one more platform to assist in the development of what I consider to be an ideal learning environment for Department of Homeland Security trainees.

Through Pinterest.com, I found LiveBinders which provides a free online platform for creating your own virtual binder. An instructor can create unique virtual workbooks for students to use in conjunction with other resources

• The tutorial was extremely easy to follow by just reading along the tabs and sub-tabs

LiveBinders Tutorial tab

• Customizing the names of each tab allows the creator to tailor every aspect of the virtual binder. Colors, tab name, the number and position of tabs can all be modified.

• Users can even add digital content such as web links to their binder. This was the one feature that impacted me the most; while most hardcopy and electronic textbooks include links as student resources, few allow the student to access these sites through their textbook. Students can read about a particular topic and immediately visit a webpage, article or forum dedicated to that very subject.

• I also discovered that you could fill a binder with Google search engine content.

LiveBinders’ Google EMDT Tab

• Having the ability to customize the binder allows creators to easily update their content with changes that may occur (i.e. curriculum changes). This is another great feature that would save time and finances when the time comes for educators to update course materials.

• Users can go on to build bookshelves for a number of LiveBinders, storing binders for both private and public use. Sharing (or protecting) was not covered during the tutorial, but the last tab of my Binder provided more help.

I learned how to email my LiveBinder and even embed it into my blog. (Click on the icon to see for yourself)

Your First Binder

• To learn more I visited the LiveBinders page dedicated to enhancing the user’s creative experience with helpful Tips and Tricks.

Live Binders’ Tips and Tricks

LiveBinders would be a great tool for any number of audiences but I believe that it is most appropriate for members of the educational profession, researchers and students. Educators especially would like the collaborative features offered by LiveBinders Blog space.

LiveBinders is a valuable Web 2.0 I’ve discovered just recently, but I am sure I will use it again and again.

LaToya