Week 2: Definitions and clarifications

We have had a few people respond already (thank you for finding that time!) and others are encouraged to share your thoughts. You need not use the link to the form that was offered, you can simply reply to this thread here. Of course you may want to go do that right now before finishing reading this post because I am going to share the thoughts others have shared right now 

Here again are the online definitions and the questions, I will put responses quoted text under each question with the contributors name in parenthesis after the response. Please feel free to agree, disagree and discuss all with the intent of us nailing down some working definitions we all buy into by Sunday if possible. 

Tool: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tool

Resource: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Resource

Please find some time to look through the many definitions of each of these terms and share some thoughts to the following:

1. Is there a clear cut definition for either term that fits your conception of what is out there on the Internet you feel this group should be evaluating? If so, please clarify how that definition fits in your mind. If not, are there key words or phrases that stick out as useful for either term?

One key distinction for me between these definitions is their readiness to be used in accomplishing a goal. For example, a field of rocks may be a resource for someone who wants to build a stone wall. However, a wheel barrow is a tool s/he would need to move these rocks to where the wall is going to be built.

In terms of technology, I respond more closely with the term tool, largely because of this definition: a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task. I like this definition for our group, because it is focused on something in the learner's hand, not too overwhelming, and individualized to their specific needs/goals as a learner. (Mike Cruse)

These are great questions, by the way. I recall using the term tools with educators in India and we had totally different notions. For this I see tools as any technology that is not content based that can be used in teaching or learning. Although an Elmo might fit that definition I am thinking more in terms of apps or web2.0 tools for example.

Although tools could under resources for me they are content based the inform practitioners or learners. (Steve Quann)

For me, the key is word is "resource" -- it must be there to teach someone about something. And do it effectively.  (Nicholas Anderson)

I think of a tool as being associated with a verb. It is something that one can DO something with. In contrast, a resource is something that is used, consumed or referenced when one is doing something (probably with a tool). With those two definitions in mind, I suspect most of what we find out there will be more resources rather than tools (Ed Latham)

2.In our introductions, many posts shared challenges with just how vast the amount of digital "things" are available and how quickly new ones come and go. Clearly, as awesome as the talent is in this micro group, we are not going to be able to take in the entirety of the Internet. Using your reflections from #1 above, how might you best describe in a paragraph, what "things" we are going to be focusing on in our work. It is best if you do NOT look at others posts before you formulate your ideas (of course this is hard with the daily digest spitting those thoughts at us in email). 

I hope that the things we're focusing on are the tools that learners will be able to adopt and use independently to achieve their goals, and accommodate their unique needs and circumstances. I don't have as much confidence in a one size fits all approach when talking about tech with adult learners. I see that frequently in K-12 education, and while I think I understand the rationale behind it, I think it's a mistake when thinking about individual learner needs. (Mike Cruse)

As I said those that impact teaching and learning. To me that might tend to be less tools that deliver content and data on progress but I am open to those as well. I tend to lean to those tools that motivate (see my magic wand wish) and make learning easy and fun and relevant so learners who are busy want to learn more and persist. (Steve Quann)

We are supposed to be "assessing online tools or resources for adult education teachers and tutors." So, this should mean online Professional Development stuff targeted toward Adult Ed. (Nicholas Anderson)

Obviously, one can not build a house without tools and resources, but I am not so sure Education is a direct parallel to such construction. I focus so much more on what can any "thing" do or be used for that helps learners discover new learning opportunities. I don't care if it is called a tool or a resource as that is not important when I introduce something to a teacher or learner.  I suspect we would find many more resources out there based on my definition above. If we wish to focus on helping educators, we probably would want to focus more on tools. If we wish to focus more on things that offer independent learning opportunities, I suspect more of the resource definition would apply. (Ed Latham)

There we go, some great ideas already out there! Thank you again for those that were able to find some time. I wish to invite everyone to comment, ask clarifying questions, or to offer your suggestions if you have not done so already. I am hopeful that we might all be able to pick pieces of what has been shared to formulate some working definitions we can at least use in our future discussion and work. We don't have to all agree 100% with any one interpretation (not sure that is possible), but we all do need to feel comfortable when we read each other throwing the words Tool and Resource around. Let the discussions begin!!!