My Personal Learning Environment (PLE) is best outlined and displayed through my shoe collection! I chose not to connect any of the media icons with the footwear (by means of lines, arrows, text boxes…) as so many of them connected in a great number of ways. Although many of the logos are near a shoe I feel best describes the attribute of that company, I’ve left many open for interpretation. All that said, here is a general outline of the Learning Environments embodied within my choice display items:
Classic/Professional – Stella McCartney Floral Heel:
- All Classical Portland – I’ve been listening to All Classical since I was a young child and was able to collaborate with them during my last job. I think of them as a highly esteemed organization and I often stream the programs while studying
- The Scotsman – I still read The Scotsman online for global and Scottish news. I referenced them often during the independence referendum in September of this year! I also worked at the hotel that was created from the original newspaper building and executive offices.
- Oregon Public Broadcasting – Similar to All Classical, I grew up on OPB and still listen daily. I find them to be a reliable and trust worthy source of information! I was also able to work with them during my time at the Heathman.
Modern/Hip – High Top Wedge by Rocket Dog:
- KMHD Jazz Radio – I adore jazz and have always found KMHD to be a great source for modern and traditional music of this genre. I place it in the Modern/Hip category because it is based out of Mount Hood Community College and is often presented by students or young adults. I find the conversations to be fun and the music always uplifting!
- Am Faclair Beag (pron: um facklar bek) – Besides Edward Dwelly’s comprehensive Scottish Gaelic dictionary, Am Faclair Beag is my go-to for Gaelic pronunciations and references. It is a modern online dictionary that is constantly updated and added to, by a small team of Scottish Gaelic expert. I find this to be modern because it is a attempt to bring this ancient language back into the technologically savvy of the now.
- Word Press – Well, it Word Press. It’s hip to have a blog!
Utilitarian/Cool – Low Ankle Clarks Bootie:
- Instagram – Social media at its core. A very measured down, artistic way to interact with the online world without, too much, worry about verbiage or context. The more oblique, oddly lit or mysterious the image, the better. And, if you can produce it an image that needs #nofilter… even cooler…
- Wine Spectator – What’s cooler than going wine tasting on a Sunday afternoon, or knowing the ins and outs at the wine bar? Plus, wine spectator and its affiliated companies have some of the finest wine/whiskey/beer/cocktail mobile phone applications!
- Inn at the 5th – It’s a new, boutique hotel that caters to an emerging class of college graduates who can now come back to visit their alma mater and stay in style (and afford it!).
Weather Proof – Tretorn Rain Boot:
- National Gallery of Scotland – Great reference site for British artists as well as (my favorite) the Scottish Colourists. I don’t recall a time visiting the NG of Scotland without a pair of rain boots on or an umbrella in hand, but once inside, not only was it free, but a world of art opened up for me.
- The Times Cross Word Puzzle – This is simply for fun, but the New York Times Crossword puzzle is one of my favorite activities after a long run in the rain and coming home to warm up with a nice pot of tea! They also supply an excellent mobile phone application that is easy to use and extremely affordable.
- The Heathman Hotel – The Heathman Hotel has stood the test of time (and the piles of rain dumped on by the PacNW skies). While at the HH, I managed the Word Press blog site, all social media and was able to work with a variety of companies in creating iPhone apps and audio art tours. I often reference my experience here both in my schooling and at my new job!
Comfortable – JCrew Flip Flop:
- iTunes – What better, and more simple, way to store, play and present music? iTunes is brilliant and easy to use, plus nothing is greater than putting your headphones on, placing iTunes on shuffle and relaxing into a vast tour of your musical tastes!
- The Oregonian – I know where things are in the Oregonian! I know where to find my comics, my editorials, my sports results! This newspaper is easy to navigate and a great reference site for local politics and news headlines.
- Microsoft Office – I’ve been using Microsoft Office for years now and feel good that I can find my way around an excel sheet or prepare a well outlined Power Point.
Retro – Keds Sneaker:
- British Broadcasting Company (BBC) – All three of the organizations or applications listed here harken back to a time when audio was king and the radio ruled. These elements help to connect us to a tradition of the past, combined with a zest for knowledge and a dedication to delivering first rate news and high quality entertainment in a variety of ways. I use all of these sources to keep informed and on top of today’s top stories and topics of interest.
- Podcast – See BBC
- National Public Radio (NPR) – See BBC
Outdoors – Ahnu Snowshoeing Boot:
- Snowshoe Magazine – An online only magazine, this is a great resource for tips, trail advice and discounts on gear. I find I do some of my best thinking out of doors and this website enables me to prepare for my journey without worrying about too many details and allows me to get away and absorb more of the world around me!
- Pinterest – I use Pinterest for work (promoting locality, Oregon and the things that make us great), adventures (where to go next, what to pack, when to go) and personal use (easy, healthy breakfast items, discovering new art, finding new projects to attempt).
- Google Maps – Because I walk (nearly everywhere) this is a key function on my desktop and my mobile device. It is clear and extremely helpful. If it weren’t for Google Maps, I’d still be walking…
Sustainable – Toms Wedge Espadrille:
- Multnomah County Library – Without a doubt, Multnomah County Library is one of the greatest resources available for Portlanders. Unfortunately, you do have to live in the county, but there are similar libraries all over the state! Not only is the entire Oxford Dictionary online for members to use (for free!) but the availability of resources and quick ordering service made my life in PDX much more stream line.
- The Sartorialist – Again, purely for personal use, but this fashion blog is the finest out there. In my opinion anyways…
- Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) – I rely on PBS for educational programming, entertaining and enlightening re-broadcasts of Masterpiece Theatre/Mystery and independent films that bring a new understanding to my world.
Athletic – Mizuno Sayonara:
- Facebook – Facebook, although used in a great number of ways, has become a hub of friendship (world wide) and activities. I source most of my planning and communication for social events through this site and go to it for conversation and entertainment.
- Oregon Road Runners Club – Simply an example of one of the many sites out there that I reference for racing inspiration and local support for running. Many of these groups also have a large Facebook following allowing the two to coincide and work with each other to coordinate training runs and such.
- Oiselle – A perfect source for national athletes and races. Great clothing to boot and all based in Seattle!
- Map My Run – Just like it’s father website – Map My Ride, this website allows an online journal of workouts completed and uses an advance mapping tool to plan runs anywhere and with very accurate trail measurements!