Thursday, February 6, 2014
Week 5 - Social Networking
After reading chapter 5 I realized just how many great social networking sites there are out there. Solomon and Schrum claim that,"Teachers are known to do whatever will help their students learn." As far as I'm concerned this isn't the case for every teacher. Even though I would like to believe in that thought, I know that some are still very apprehensive. Teachers are not the only ones who are reluctant. School districts are also hesitant about the use of technology, but more specifically about the use of social networking.
I have tried to use numerous social networking sites within my own classroom, however, each and everyone that I've tried has been blocked from use. I hope that this changes in the near future.
I was able to sign up for two, new social networking sites. One of them was edWeb. edWeb is a social networking, collaborative platform that gives educators the option to share ideas and spread information in a fast and easy way. After searching around on this website for quite a while I was able to come across a number of great things. With this website you are able to join communities related to the topic of your choice. This website also gives you the option to blog, join discussion boards, and access the resource library. I came across one community that focuses on the teaching of students with autism ranging from K through 5th grade. This community board provides teachers with ideas and resources on how to teach students with autism. The big thing that I loved about this site is that it provides a number of free webinars. One that I found interesting was on the effective strategies for using iPads with students with autism. This is such a great site and I cannot wait to look further into it for my own personal use.
The other social networking site that I became a part of is Classroom 2.0. This site allows educators to learn more about how to integrate web 2.0, social media, and other technologies into the classroom. I came across a number of communities, but one in particular was on supporting assistive technologies in the classroom. This group gives teachers the option to share information, thoughts, and ideas on this topic. One neat feature on this site is Classroom 2.0 Live. This uses Blackboard Collaborate to hold weekly live shows of teachers through the use of audio, chat, and desktop sharing on a number of different topics. I'm hoping to get the opportunity to watch one of these live shows this Saturday.
I honestly feel like I'm just now starting to develop a PLN and I'm truly excited to continue on this journey!
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2010). Web 2.0 how-to for educators. Eugene, Or.: International Society for Technology in Education.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
First I have to say that I love your background on your blog. Ok, now down to business. I completely agree that not all teachers will do anything to help their students learn. There are a lot of teachers out there who do not have the heart for education. I know this because I have worked with those people before. I also joined EdWeb and found many great blogs to join. I joined one for pre-k to 3 because I am early childhood certified and I find technology for the little ones to be much more difficult due to there lack of writing and reading skills. Another website that I joined which is not in the book but I get a daily/weekly newsletter for is iPads in the classroom. I have found so cool apps reading through that page and because of it I recently had to update my iPad to IOS7.
ReplyDeleteKatie
@Katie can you please send me a link to where I can get the newsletter for iPads in the classroom. I am trying to integrate them into my classroom as much as possible and I am always looking for new ideas!
DeleteLove, love, love your opening statement. I think so many educators want to believe in the idea that all teachers are willing to do anything to get their students to learn, yet I have found the same thing you stated. I know of countless teachers who only do what benefits them, or will only do what is most convenient for them in regards to implementing lessons/grading. Using PLN's will create so much more diversity in the development of teachers who desire to "do whatever it takes to get their students to learn". I am also looking forward to using PLN's as I develop my own network of professionals and peers who desire to get the most out of our students in the 21st century classroom. I have also signed up for EdWebs and have found it useful.
ReplyDelete@Brian
DeleteMath (speaking only of secondary) teachers, while not self-interested, are the least likely to what to change; I know this from first hand experience. The prevalent attitude is the students need to work harder. I think students could put in a bit more effort but I think change is pretty ripe in the air and it will be hard for us as a group not to change.
I wish I could say that all teachers are willing to do anything to get their students to learn. Some teachers are stuck in their way and refuse to change, which is so sad. Students don't learn the same way as they did even 5 years ago. Things change so quickly and a great teacher needs to keep up with the times. With that being said, I am not saying that they aren't great teachers but they just need to adjust their teaching strategies. You are the second person that has tried out EdWebs. I have added it to my Delicious account and can't wait to spend some extra time actually exploring it and all it has to offer.
ReplyDelete