Self-learning tools

Self-learning is a process allowing individuals to learn and understand things on their own through gathering information, processing it, and retaining it without the assistance of another person. Self-learning is an emerging form of learning that has developed due to the availability of learning resources online. Self-learning enables individuals to learn what they want when they want, and how they want.

GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS1 A graphic organizer is learning tool that could be used to organize information and ideas so that they are easy to be comprehended and internalized. By integrating text and visuals, graphic organizers show relationships and connections between concepts, terms, and facts. 1. Sequence Chart A sequence graphic organizer is a tool that helps visualize the order of steps of a process or a timeline of events, etc. It can also be used for note-taking, lesson planning, and essay writing. How to use it Step 1: Identify the steps in the process or event. Step 2: Using a sequence chart arrange these steps in sequential order.

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Source: 19 Types of Graphic Organizers for Effective Teaching and Learning (creately.com). These Graphic Organizers could be used online here, sign in for free: Register | Creately.

2. T-chart T-chart allow learners to study two facets of a topic. For example, disadvantages and advantages, pros and cons, differences and similarities, etc. How to use it Step 1: Draw a T-chart and write down the two areas you want to brainstorm around on each column head. Step 2: Write down facts on each column as you carry out your brainstorming. TOPIC 1

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3. Cluster diagram Cluster diagrams can be used to structure idea generation, to understand relationship among ideas and concepts and even to help with exploring new topics. How to use it Step 1: Pick your topic of interest to explore. This should be placed in the middle of the diagram. Step 2: Brainstorm around this main idea and come up with sub-topics related to it. Place them around the center. Step 3: Brainstorm around each of the sub-topics and write down related ideas around them. Step 4: Add as many layers as you want. However, use color-coding to emphasize each branch of thought. This will make it easier for you to read and understand the cluster diagram.

Source: EdrawMax Online

ONLINE LEARNING TOOLS An online learning tool is any web-based resource that supports the learning and/or selflearning experience, particularly by improving skills of learners.

1. Storybird2 Storybird is a platform for storytelling and creative expression that can help to improve students' writing skills, reading skills, creative faculties and associated competencies. Students can use it to write and publish their own storybooks, complete with illustrations.

2. ThingLink3 ThingLink is an application that allows users to augment media such as images, videos and virtual tours, turning them more interactive and improving their educational value. A learner, for example, can take an image of a painting and add information that he/she could find helpful to understanding its importance and context.

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https://storybird.com/ https://www.thinglink.com/

3. Tinkercad4

It provides browser-based CAD design, which supports import and has a socially formed gallery of creations. Learners are able to design, build, view and share their 3D creations.

4. Zotero5 Zotero is a tool to collect, organize, and share online research. It helps learners to organize their research any way they want. Learners can sort items into collections and tag them with keywords. Or create saved searches that automatically fill with relevant materials as they work.

5. MyStudyLife6 It serves as a digital planner that helps learners record assignments, plan out their schedules, and prepare for upcoming events like exams or presentations. Selflearners who can build their own study days (or who do homework on their own) can use this tool to guide their self-directed learning.

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http://tinkercad.com https://www.zotero.org/ 6 https://www.mystudylife.com/ 5

LEARNING STYLE TOOL

A self-administered and self-scoring instrument7 to help identify your own learning style. One or more of these can be completed and the resulting scores and associated meanings used to think through implications and approaches for subsequent learning efforts.

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https://www.how-to-study.com/learning-style-assessment/