3.5 Identifying learning resources

There is an ever-increasing range of resources available to support us in our learning including:

• electronic networks
• journals
• web-sites
• books
• videos
• individuals, teams and organisations
• organisational intranet, library scheme, inter-library loan schemes
• workbooks.

As you work through this module it should be apparent that a range of skills are needed to maintain learning. A key skill is the ability to locate and interpret information.

Information gathering skills

The use of research findings to inform daily practice is an ongoing process. Taking the time to identify quality resources that meet your individual needs in terms of content and relevance requires a range of skills. An increasingly important source of information is the World Wide Web. There is a vast range of search tools and techniques available for you to utilise. Learning the scope and functionality of relevant databases, web search engines and meta-sites is becoming a necessary skill.

Key organisations and services are other important sources of potential information. This is where your networking skills can be particularly beneficial.

Personal review

Task - writing exercise

Develop a list of learning resources available to you. This can include individuals and organisations as well as a list of books or manuals.

Summary

In this topic you have begun to take a self-directed role in your learning. You have explored potential work-based learning strategies and you have critically reflected on their benefits. You then undertook a force field analysis of your organisation and yourself and developed a number of strategies to manage some of the constraints you may face in your ongoing learning. You then considered potential resources and the need for strong information gathering and networking skills.