Initial vs final PLE (Changes)

INITIAL VS FINAL PLE

In my initial PLE, I have my learning environment organized into five different groups, each with a specific color to make it easier to access each section. In the green group, I have social applications that I use for entertainment and communication, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, and TikTok. I use these social networks to stay in touch with my friends and stay updated on different topics of interest.

The red group is dedicated to UPNA resources, which I use to access the university's main page and my personal space, where I can check the subjects I’m enrolled in and view the academic content I need.

In the purple group, I have several educational tools, including Canva, Pinterest, Live Worksheets, Genially, Quizlet, the Government of Navarra website (where I consult documents like the primary curriculum), Google Classroom, Kahoot, and GeoGebra. This group helps me access resources and tools that facilitate my learning and allow me to prepare educational materials.

Another section is the dictionaries group, marked in pink, where I mainly use WordReference. This dictionary is very helpful for resolving vocabulary doubts and performing translations when working on language topics.

Finally, the blue group is dedicated to tools I use for work and organizing my tasks, such as Google Drive, Gmail, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Google Docs. These tools are essential for managing documents, collaborating on projects, and preparing presentations efficiently.

In the final PLE, I have kept the same structure of five color-differentiated groups to maintain organization. I didn’t make any changes to the green group, and neither did I add anything to the red (UPNA) and pink (dictionaries) groups. However, in the purple group, I added a few more educational tools, like Wordwall, Educaplay, and Scratch, which are now part of my resources for creating interactive activities and enhancing my teaching methods. Additionally, in the blue group, I included Google for Education and Excel as new tools for work and data organization, expanding my options for specific tasks.

In summary, although I kept the initial structure and organization in my final PLE, I added some useful tools that enrich my learning environment. These changes reflect an update that allows me to have more resources available for different educational and work-related needs.

Reflection:

Creating my Personal Learning Environment (PLE) has been an insightful process, allowing me to analyze and intentionally design the tools and resources I rely on daily for both learning and teaching. The initial structure of my PLE consisted of five clearly defined groups, each serving a specific purpose. By organizing it this way, I was able to maximize efficiency and simplify access to essential resources, which supports a more structured and productive learning experience.

In the social apps group, for example, I’ve included platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, and TikTok. While these are commonly seen as entertainment or social tools, they also play a valuable role in my learning process. I use them not only to communicate with peers and stay informed on various topics but also as a means to discover educational trends, new ideas, and resources shared by professionals and organizations in the education field. This group highlights how informal learning spaces can complement more structured educational tools and content.

The UPNA resources group, identified by the red color, gives me quick access to essential university platforms where I can check my courses and academic materials. This group serves as a reminder of the formal aspect of my education, showing the importance of maintaining a consistent connection with my academic institution. These platforms are structured and standardized, providing me with a reliable base of knowledge and resources, yet they leave room for me to integrate them with other, less traditional tools.

My education tools group (purple) includes diverse resources like Canva, Pinterest, Genially, Quizlet, and more. Initially, I used a basic set of tools, but in the final version of my PLE, I expanded this section by adding Wordwall, Educaplay, and Scratch. These additional tools allow for more interactive and engaging educational activities, which can benefit both my learning and teaching. As an educator, I recognize the importance of fostering engagement and creativity in the classroom, and these tools support that goal. From a pedagogical perspective, integrating these resources encourages active learning, allowing students to interact with content in ways that support deeper understanding and retention.

The dictionaries group, marked in pink, might seem simple, but having tools like WordReference readily available is essential for language development. Language is a fundamental part of effective communication and learning, and access to a dictionary helps clarify meanings and contexts that might otherwise hinder understanding. This tool supports both my learning and teaching, as clear communication and accurate vocabulary are crucial in educational settings.

Lastly, the tools for work and organization in the blue group, such as Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Gmail, and Google Docs, are essential for maintaining a productive workflow. Adding Google for Education and Excel in my final PLE was a deliberate choice to improve my data organization and task management. These additions show my commitment to becoming more efficient and structured in my work, aligning with a pedagogical understanding of time management and organization as key components for successful learning and teaching outcomes.

Reflecting on this experience, I see my PLE as a blend of formal and informal learning environments, with a clear emphasis on adaptability and flexibility. This blend is essential for modern educators, who must navigate both traditional and innovative tools to create dynamic, engaging, and supportive learning experiences. Pedagogically, the process of building and refining my PLE has deepened my understanding of how diverse tools can support different learning needs and objectives. My final PLE reflects not only an organized approach to my personal learning but also an adaptable framework that can evolve with new tools and educational trends.

In conclusion, my PLE is more than just a collection of resources; it is a carefully structured environment that balances formal education tools with innovative and interactive resources. This intentional design supports my goals as a learner and as an educator, fostering an environment that is both effective and adaptable to future needs.