I Love Zotero - the webs best referencing tool!

I have been meaning to write about Zotero for some time but as more of my friends are resuming their studies i thought it would be timely to share this post.

When i returned to study last year i tried Zotero for the first time, wow so much better than EndNote that i had used many years ago. EndNote may be good but here are the reasons i LOVE Zotero.

1. So easy to use and organise your work
2. Stand alone & mobile versions sync really well, enabling easy access to readings from your tablet or ipad
3. Browser add on enables you to pull bibliographic info straight in at a click of a bookmarklet
4. If you know the isbn or doi number and put that in it automagically populates all info
5. And the best reason i love Zotero is you can create groups in Zotero online and SHARE
   What a great way to crowd source around a topic, create groups with your class mates, ask your lecturer to share the readings straight into Zotero (now that would be handy)
6. Completely free to use

Here is a group i set up called VLN Scholars specifically for NZ teachers - you are welcome to join and contribute.

Here are Zotero getting started guides - happy studying!

More than just Sharing a few Pics - My Story, Your Story, Our Story.

It has been great to follow and support the project My Story, Your Story, Our Story  Big kudos to Theressa for initiating and driving this schools collaboration. As the project progresses we can see it is more than just developing some expertise in photography skills & techniques, or sharing their best pictures. It is about making meaningful connections that provide different perspectives on our lives and this has been particularly evident, so far, with the global participation.

Here Stephanie shares her story of participating in this project - Bringing the classroom out into our World. And here they are again practicing a waiata for their school visitors, inspired by their interactions with the My Story Project. Click over there and give the students some positive feedback on their kapa haka efforts! Here is the direct link to their photos.