Week 4- Implementing a Networked Classroom

In this weeks reading in PLNs I really like how the instructor Clarence Fisher expresses the thoughts when it comes to learning. His quote “Learning is only as powerful as the network it occurs in” really puts into perspective the power of quality instruction (Richardson & Mancabelli, 2011, p. 59). Not only is he referring to the teacher but the mode of teaching. We can incorporate as much technology into the classroom as we want, but if it isn’t quality, we are limiting ourselves and our students even more. I think this is one of the disadvantages of a networked classroom. If the teacher isn’t able to provide QUALITY , then what is the point. Being able to open doors and expose our students to the world, literally, around us is amazing to me. I grew up, as most, in a classroom with 4 walls and a chalkboard: no computer, no internet. We were limited to what the teacher knew and what the book said. Students now are limitless; they can travel in their desks and visit classroom halfway around the world. I also find it interesting that his students have less of a problem with discrimination, something we have a hard time getting away from in today’s society, yet his students seem to overlook race and class and are more focused on learning, reinforcing the “benefits of the networked classroom” (Richardson & Mancabelli, 2011).Each of the examples of networked classrooms show just how connected we can make ourselves. It’s amazing to me that this is happening, and it makes me even more excited to incorporate more into my own courses! I think using the guidelines described as reference it would be fairly easy for the determined , open-minded, and semi-fearless teacher (like all of us are!! ) to start implementing more networking. I myself feel I fit , somewhat, into this description. I have already started lesson plans on utilizing more networking, like Adobe Connect to have inner class networking, allowing some of my distance students the option to stay home for lecture. This being the first year for our program , my focus has been more on class development and success more so than new technologies. My goal, however is to provide more networking with clinical affiliations and programs, ultimately allowing my students to have a more diverse learning environment. All in good time though, all in good time. Bibliography Richardson, W., & Mancabelli, R. (2011). Personal Learning Networks: Using the Power of Connections to Transform Education. Bloomington : Solution Tree Press.

40 Educational Tweeters Every Teacher Should Follow ~ Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

Found this while surfing around.. Thought some would find some interest....

40 Educational Tweeters Every Teacher Should Follow ~ Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

Week 3... Twitter

Oh Twitter, how do I start!? I started a Twitter account for another class last semester and that's about as far as I took it. I wanted to be a cool tweeter, but it just didn't work out that way. I tried following people, I Got a few followers, but all the # and @ signs were annoying me. I'm willing to give it another go though ! I really like the thought of connecting with others and gaining insight into topics that interest me, something I can't really do on other social media sites. I am addicted to Facebook and am constantly checking my newsfeed and stalking :0 , but it's not the platform for professional interactions. The past two days I've been on Twitter more , retweeting and trying to get myself into it. I've even gone as far as researching it ! What?! http://www.edudemic.com/guides/guide-to-twitter/. This is a good article or those like me who want to learn more. I hope to add some more content to my feed soon! Happy tweeting!

PLNs.....

In reading the Introduction, chapter 1 and 2 of “Personal Learning Networks: Using the Power of Connections to Transform Education” the author brought up some very good points when discussing technology today and in the classroom. I like how he breaks down the steps to network learning in our schools by first identifying the changes that have to be made starting with “understanding the power of PLNs” (Richardson & Mancabelli, 2011, p. 12) . In order to expect our students, or fellow educators, to utilize the technology, we must first be comfortable with the technology and be able to explain and use it ourselves. I know myself I am not as comfortable as I need to be with different technologies, so how can I expect my students to be experts? Even though they are computer literate and have their own devices, this does not necessarily mean they know how to properly use them for educational purposes!! I have found that even thought my students ( and colleges) are all at college level, have taken computer courses, and all use social networking for communication, some don’t have a clue beyond that. Basic knowledge is limited to Facebook, gaming and fun use of the internet, while no time has been spent on how to fully use the internet for what it is worth. Most instructors are the same. Beyond the ability to use PowerPoint and Word they are limited on their computer knowledge and afraid of change. The authors sum up this vary idea in chapter 1 by saying “ We may not all feel comfortable living in a digital world, crating and sharing digital products, but there’s no doubt the world is moving in that direction, and fast” (Richardson & Mancabelli, 2011, p. 16). Even though we are changing the way we function in our daily lives, depending on technology to perform even the simplest of tasks, we don’t utilize it for all its worth and whole heartedly believe we must to move forward with our classrooms. There is so much available to us these days. I for one feel more connected to my classmates online than I ever did in the classroom. Through the use of technology I have been able to get to know my classmates, learn from them, interact and be more open, things I never did in a traditional classroom. Before, I simply went into lecture, took notes, did my homework and repeated weekly, never collaborating or sharing life/classroom experience and definitely not networking online! I feel we owe it to our students to give them the same opportunity so they can grow in their personal and professional lives as well. Chapter 2 discusses several of the technologies I have already grown to love as a lay person but also to love as an educator: Twitter, Diigo, Google, Blogger, and Facebook. Through the use of these tools I have learned to expand and incorporate more technology into my classroom and communicate with people I would have never communicated with before. Richardson, W., & Mancabelli, R. (2011). Personal Learning Networks: Using the Power of Connections to Transform Education. Bloomington : Solution Tree Press.