Approaches to Self-Managed Learning

Learning through research is an important part of modern independent learning. Ability to use the internet can provide up-to-the-minute data from a range of sources. A Personal Learning Environment is comprised of all the different Internet tools we can use for learning. Social software is increasingly being used in education and training through such applications as web logs, wikis, tools and applications for creating and sharing multi media and tools for sharing all kinds of different personal knowledge bases including bookmarks and book collections. Examples of the software you can use for your personal learning environment include a word processor, an e-mail client for communication, a Web browser, search engines, a diary for managing work and sharing with others, audio for making podcasts, video editor for making multimedia presentations, a content management system for creating websites, a photo editing programme and sharing service, instant messaging and VOIP and a number of other services from different social software companies.

Secondments A secondment is where an employee temporarily changes job roles within the same company or transfers to another organisation for an agreed period of time. This can be within the private or public sector, or to a non-profit making organisation, such as a charity or government body. Secondments benefit all parties involved; the employee, the employer and the host organisation. Employees benefit from taking secondments as they are an excellent way to explore different career possibilities without them leaving their current job. Employers benefit from allowing employees to take secondments in many ways. Employees that have taken a secondment acquire transferable skills and knowledge that can put into practise once they return to their original position. Host organisations also benefit where the employee is taking a secondment in an external organisation. The main benefit to them is that they gain assistance with