Personal Learning Networks
I feel like I have become a part of a learning group already but I often get overwhelmed by how much I do not know, or how much time I don’t have, etc. But when I came to this link, I knew that I wasn’t alone. Classroom 2.0 Beginner Group! There are teachers out there who are really trying. It is a lot to process. I can think of so many teachers who wouldn’t even want to take this course because it would expand their comfort zone too much. Some people just could not handle it because they are phobic of learning that may challenge their authority in the classroom.
100 Best Blogs for Teachers of the Future seems to be a non-threatening way to start for some teachers. Looking for new ideas and connecting with others has to be part of your role as a teacher, or else you are just stagnant.
As for how this will all impact my teaching practice, I have never felt comfortable being the “sage on stage.” I have always wanted to be a guide, or a resource for students, but felt insignificant because I couldn’t lecture for 90 minutes the way some teachers make look so easy. By showing students how to be learners, we are creating life skills that they will need for years to come. I am really thinking that instead of a boring old book project that half of my students never really do, I will teach them about RSS feeds and have them become active learners throughout the semester, finding information for themselves and then sharing it in some way with the class. I haven’t fully figured out how to do this yet, but I am turning it over in my thoughts.
P.S. I also found a new search engine named Collecta. It looks strange to me. Does anyone know how to use it? Do you think it will become popular?
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I couldn't even imagine what it would be like to lecture for 90 minutes. It has been proven that we lose the kids attention after a good 15 minutes! So, with that said, the guide is a great way to go. Projects are wonderful and provide such an amazing, creative outlet for the kids. It is ok to be a little nervous at first when trying a new technology project. Just be honest with the kids and they will respect you that much more when things aren't working out the way you might have expected! I love the idea of the kids using RSS feeds. Also, if you gave them all diigo accounts, they can bookmark, highlight information from articles and comment all on the diigo account, then share it with the group! Just a thought!
ReplyDeleteI have a question, rather than a comment. Kim mentioned "if you gave them all diigo accounts". Would we create accounts for them, or would we request that they create account? What seems to work?
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