Learning Log for 1-12 May 11

Date of event:

• 1-12 May 11

What was the development activity?

• Introduction activities for Unit One of B716
• I have established my timeline for completion of TMA 1
• I have started scoping TMA 1 and began discussions at work as to how to integrate the EBI into my activities
• I have read and understand the assessment process so I am content that I know where to apportion my efforts
• I have completed the reading for MDA1 and MDA2
• I have started a learning log
• I am content with the use of the OU library and I have already accessed it to get copies of some of the key texts eg Mintzberg
• I have made contact with Portsmouth University and I now have access to their library (via Sconul) as and when I need it for books.
• I have completed/submitted the tasks required for activity 1-4 and read the other submissions in the TGF 

What was I expecting to learn?

• How to learn with the OU
• Experiences of managing and the context within which I manage and am managed

What have I learned?

• That other people in the TGF face similar issues that I do albeit in completely different work contexts.  This implies that issues regarding management are common.

How will I apply this learning?

• To broaden my knowledge and enable me to put the theory I am about to learn into a work context

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Mobile blogging

This post is another test to prove that I can post on the go.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

The IT tools I am planning to use

I am planning to use the following IT applications to assist me in my learning:

- A Blackberry to enable me to stay in touch and access my emails and to make notes on the move
- I have access to a Desktop PC and a Laptop PC from home.
- I intend to use the MS Office package for the majority of tasks.
- I have installed Dropbox so that I can access my files from anywhere and to ensure that I have backup.  However, I will also physically back up to a hard drive on a regular basis.
- I have also installed Evernote so I can make notes and access them wherever I am.
- I plan to use Firefox 4 as my browser as it is possible to add zotero (which is not possible on Google Chrome).  zotero allows me to cite directly from a website and to easily generate a bibliography.
- I am using Refnotes to capture and manage my references.
- I have started a blog with Blogger which will act as my Learning Log
- I am considering getting a Kindle or a tablet computer but I am still not certain whether I need to.

I intend to review my way of working on a regular basis and adjust as required.

In addition, to the IT applications and hardware I am also using old fashioned folders and I intend to use Portsmouth University Library (via sconul access)

Test post from blackberry

This is just to demonstrate that I can post from the phone.