In the world of today an online professional portfolio is becoming more popular.  I wanted to address some of the pros and cons of them.

Some Pros
A digital professional portfolio can be the same as a typical professional portfolio presented in a binder, except the online aspect makes new things possible.  It can be an always evolving work in progress that includes resume and philosophies.  Taken to the next level, a digital portfolio can better showcase your works, skills, and education.  Some good representations can be created on google sites, weebly, and prezi. 

LinkedIn is more of a professional online resume.  You can also detail areas of you expertise and experience.  However, LinkedIn will also connect you to others in the field or who you know personally or professionally.

Personal web sites can be designed in many ways.  They can be a powerful tool to positively represent oneself.  Or you could construct them to be more student oriented.  This means you could provide information about you (the teacher), but post assignments or blogs about class.

Cons?
I do not feel that there are many cons to the professional portfolios mentioned.  One can always have more than one focus, perhaps keeping a LinkedIn account for job search purposes, while also maintaining a personal web site that is more student focused.  One note of caution, is making sure to always represent oneself professionally.  I have seen some online portfolios that are too casual for professional environments.  It is important for potent

Looking for the perfect online statistics tool seems to depend greatly upon your specific needs.  There is a wide variety of options.  Some sites are designed for advanced calculations and analyzing, while others are dedicated to simplicity of use.  The latter of the two options would be more suited to my needs. 

The top three free online sites that I discovered were SISA (Simple Interactive Statistical Analysis), WolframAlpha, and WebMath.  As stated, SISA lends itself to simple and straightforward use.  It allows you to input numbers and get instant results.  It is more geared to common calculations.  I was really impressed with WolframAlpha.  The main page offers you a simple space to type in text or numbers.  From the data you input the site will direct you to definitions, examples and pictures of your topic.  Or, you can input a set of statistical numbers with spaces and receive what you need (like a histogram).  The last site that I would recommend was WebMath.  The site is very user friendly and designed for  a wide span of users.  WebMath can be used for early algebraic equations or highly complex calculations.  It has a wide range.  Again, the site allows the user to quickly input data (or even paste previous sets), check the boxes that apply to your needs (e.g. standard deviations or correlations)and quickly receive your information.  For my needs, which are mostly basic statistical analysis, SISA, WolframAlpha, and WebMath are good places to start.

Professional networking strategies have changed so much in the last decade that some of the old adages are changing.  Today, an online presence is a major part of getting your name out there.  In the past many of these opportunities were not possible. 

As I have been discovering, professional networking can be accomplished on all different levels of through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Personal Web Pages, and so on.  The image of yourself that you post online can communicate either a high level of professionalism or a socially relaxed presence.  Each website has its advantages and disadvantages.  Each website also has slightly different goals and capabilities to help you accomplish what you need.  In the world of today, it can be important to represent yourself in different lights depending on the audience you expect to be reading your posts. 

I have always thought that it is important to represent myself in a positive light, especially in the professional realm where I expect to meet others.  One has to be careful, especially online where your words are posted for all to see, that your words are chosen carefully and respectfully.  You never know who might be reading.  I believe this adage will never change, whether you are onlin

Prior to reading some of the articles on the use of wiki's I do not believe I had heard of any thing, outside of wikipedia, quite like it.  The idea of being able to edit a piece of information collaboratively can have many uses.  Anytime a group of people (friends, cohorts, committee's, church groups, etc.) need to coordinate and organize a list of ideas, thoughts, or facts wiki provides an online option.  The fact that the use is online allows interaction anytime and anywhere.

Perhaps the greatest variable to the use of wiki's is the ease of use.  Users do not need to have an intimate knowledge of computer coding (which I do not care to elaborate on because I know nothing about it).  It sounds like it is the perfect tool for people like me who have a base understanding (but growing) of computer and online technology.  Wiki technology, along with blogging and social media, seems to be a fast growing source of connecting with others in professional and personal environments.