If you’ve been following along with my blog, you know we’ve been diving deep into the art of content curation, especially through the CURATE model. Today, we’re going to zoom in on the “U” – Unearth Content. This part of the model is all about digging up those hidden gems that can make your learning resources shine. So, grab your virtual shovel, and let’s start unearthing!
The Treasure Hunt of Content Curation
Think of content curation as a treasure hunt. The internet is a vast landscape filled with valuable resources, but finding the best ones requires a keen eye and a strategic approach. Here’s how you can become an expert content archaeologist and uncover the most precious pieces of content for your learners.
1. Diversify Your Sources
When you’re on the hunt, don’t stick to the same old maps. Explore new territories! Here are a few places to start:
- Social Media: Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and even TikTok can be gold mines for fresh content. Follow thought leaders in your industry and keep an eye on trending hashtags.
- Aggregators: Tools like Feedly and Flipboard can help you gather articles, blogs, and news from a wide array of sources, all in one place.
- Niche Communities: Sites like Reddit and specialized forums can provide unique insights and content that you won’t find in mainstream channels.
2. Use Advanced Search Techniques
Sometimes, finding the best content requires a bit more precision. Here are a few tips:
- Boolean Operators: Use AND, OR, and NOT to refine your search results. For example, searching “eLearning AND gamification” will give you results that include both terms.
- Site-Specific Searches: If you know a particular site has great content, use Google’s site-specific search. For example, “site.org CURATE model” will show you all the relevant posts from Mike Taylor’s blog.
- Advanced Filters: Make use of advanced search filters to narrow down your results by date, type of content, and more.
3. Leverage Your Network
Your professional network is a powerful tool for unearthing great content. Don’t be shy—reach out and ask for recommendations.
- Engage on LinkedIn: Join groups and participate in discussions. You’ll often find that other professionals share valuable resources that you might have missed.
- Ask for Recommendations: When you come across a particularly knowledgeable colleague or connection, ask them what resources they find most valuable.
4. Stay Organized
As you unearth content, it’s crucial to keep it organized. Tools like Raindrop, Aboard, Pocket, Evernote, or a simple spreadsheet can help you catalog your finds for easy access later. Tagging and categorizing your content ensures you can quickly find exactly what you need when you need it.
Putting It All Together
The “Unearth Content” phase of the CURATE model is all about being curious, resourceful, and methodical. By diversifying your sources, using advanced search techniques, leveraging your network, and staying organized, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the best content for your learners.
Try It Out!
Ready to put the CURATE model to the test? Start unearthing some hidden gems today and see how it transforms your learning resources. And hey, if you found this post helpful, why not subscribe to my newsletter? You’ll get more tips, tricks, and insights on mastering content curation delivered straight to your inbox.
Happy hunting, fellow content curators! Let’s dig up some treasure together.
Mike Taylor 