Diigo

Diigo seems like one of the more useful tools we've discovered so far. It allows to highlight and annotate various portions of an article, blog, or any other site you are reading when you notice a segment that you find interesting. Similar to what you would do if you were reading something in print, it serves as a very helpful tool for both students and teachers.

For example, if you are planning to read a portion of an article aloud to your class, rather than print out copies with that portion highlighted, you can connect your computer to a smartboard/projector and show them that way (or even e-mail that article to them if you choose). For students, if they''re working together on a project and need to share sources with each other, they can share articles, with appropriate sections highlighted/annotated if need be.

Also, it includes social networking aspects, allowing members to "friend" each other and view articles they've posted and highlighted through Diigo. Additionally, it complements growing "green efforts" of schools as it eliminates paper use and consumption.

Itunes U

Itunes seems like it has become one of, if not the most prominent source for music currently. I know I haven't purchased actual CD's in a long time, not counting blank ones to back up songs in my library. If I want new music, I download it from my Itunes.

Similarly, ITunes U seems like it could become preminent in online learning and distance learning, as well as providing numerous tools to use in a classroom setting. In its simplest terms, it allows you access to countless podcasts and lectures in any one of a number of subject areas. If there is a particular lecture you need access to or want your students to listen to, you need only direct them to Itunes U. The requirement for access is an Itunes account, which is free to create. Plus, the podcasts and/or lectures themselves are mostly free to listen to. So, it costs nothing and opens an endless realm of possibilities.

What's more, one doesn't even have to be a student to make use of it. Because of the variety of lectures, there is something for everyone who may be looking to branch out. If you're looking to expand your knowledge of videography, for example, there's a lecture/podcast available that gives you the basics. Or, if you simply want to listen to a certain speech by a political figure or speaker, you can search for it in Itunes U. There are a number of possibilities.

In essence, not only does it provide tools to enhance learning in the classroom, but also makes it easier to learn outside of the classroom. In that way, as I mentioned, it adds a new dimension to distance learning. Basically, it lets one "take a course" (depending on how many lectures/podcasts/videos/etc. they listen to in a given subject. Informal though it may be, it can definitely show someone the basics of a given concept.

In fact, the Open University, an online University that operates entirely through distance learning, has courses in such fields as Psychology, Writing, Business, Computing, Mathematics, Law, and more available through Itunes U by utilizing its tools. Its potential use is limitless.