According to John Wakefield of the Educational Resources Information Center, textbooks have been around since at least the 18th century and were designed to teach children how to read and write (see Reference 1). However, textbooks are now designed as mini-courses so individuals can learn virtually any subject by reading and understanding the book and working through its exercises. Indeed, many textbooks come complete with answer keys so learners can check their own progress. Wakefield also suggests that textbooks are very adaptable; they can be easily changed when subjects change and when technology changes. Today, textbooks are not only offered through bookstores, but they're also online and available in e-reader formats that learners can access on their tablets or phones. However, one of the drawbacks of the textbook as a personal learning took is that, when used alone, it caters to you only if you absorb material best through self-study. Although some textbooks now come with multimedia supplements that offer videos and quizzes, your learning style might require more interaction.
Heuristics are self-learning tools designed by educators to help students draw on their current knowledge and understanding to create new knowledge or understanding in the subjects that they are studying. Often found in textbooks or on educational websites, heuristics make wonderful personal learning tools because they are designed to help students connect with the material personally. For instance, a heuristic designed to teach revision might consist of several questions that specifically ask students which parts of their essays they liked best and least. However, heuristics may be problematic for you if you have difficulty linking activities in the heuristic with subject matter concepts.
Whether or not you're taking an online class, there are a number e-tools you can use to learn whatever subject you're studying. For some subjects, there are specific software programs designed as personal learning tools. For instance, if you want to learn another language, you can choose Rosetta Stone, Natively English or another online or on-computer e-tool. Learning management systems like Blackboard and WebCT, on the other hand, facilitate personal learning no matter what you're studying. Even if you are in school, you can use these programs to keep track of assignments, chart progress or access resources. However, there are some problems with e-learning tools like learning management systems. According to George Siemens of ELearn Space (see Reference 2), learning management systems may be too linear and have too few interactive tools to facilitate productive learning.
If you want to learn but you're always on the go, mobile personal learning tools are becoming more and more popular. From applications on smart phones to programs for tablets and netbooks, you can now download mobile versions of learning management systems and software programs designed to teach and test language and math/science skills. In fact, these tools are even available for preschool learners (see Reference 4).