Classroom 2.0 is a welcoming social network. At your first visit, you will see a discussion board. Teachers or members of the network post questions and comments to other members of the network. This serves as an excellent way to connect with and collaborate with other teachers. Much of the content is focused on new and effective ways to use technology in the classroom. The site offers direction to live, in person workshops in addition to numerous online resources.
Classroom 2.0 is a user-friendly site, but you must become a member to have full access to the resources.
Check out an awesome social network, Classroom 2.0, for teachers of any content area!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Learner is like a Computer
Have you ever seen the message "Your computer is updating. Please do not shut down" ??? Even though this may be an annoying delay to your work or Facebook time, this is an important process as your computer stays "up to date." A learner does the same thing when he or she connects with others through social networks.
A learner is like a computer that updates itself when new programs are available - how does this analogy explain today's learner? The learner is the computer that updates its programs when new ones are available. As a learner connected through social networks such as Facebook or Blogger updates his or her knowledge of specific topics, so does the computer when it adds new programs of transforms old ones to "continue to stay current." A learner may read additional blogs about a topic, such as educational theory, to learn multiple perspectives. The learner is connecting with others to stay updated on current information.
Siemens writes, "As knowledge continues to grow and evolve, access to what is needed is more important than what the learner currently possesses." The key to today's digital age is that learners know how to access information to add to or transform their own knowledge. According to Siemens, "When knowledge... is needed, but not known, the ability to plug into sources to meet the requirements becomes a vital skill."
"Connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks needed for learners to flourish in a digital era." -George Siemens
Read this article by George Siemens to learn more about Connectivism.
Watch these You Tube clips about Connectivism to learn more:
The Impact of Social Media on Learners
The Network is the Learning
A learner is like a computer that updates itself when new programs are available - how does this analogy explain today's learner? The learner is the computer that updates its programs when new ones are available. As a learner connected through social networks such as Facebook or Blogger updates his or her knowledge of specific topics, so does the computer when it adds new programs of transforms old ones to "continue to stay current." A learner may read additional blogs about a topic, such as educational theory, to learn multiple perspectives. The learner is connecting with others to stay updated on current information.
Siemens writes, "As knowledge continues to grow and evolve, access to what is needed is more important than what the learner currently possesses." The key to today's digital age is that learners know how to access information to add to or transform their own knowledge. According to Siemens, "When knowledge... is needed, but not known, the ability to plug into sources to meet the requirements becomes a vital skill."
"Connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks needed for learners to flourish in a digital era." -George Siemens
Read this article by George Siemens to learn more about Connectivism.
Watch these You Tube clips about Connectivism to learn more:
The Impact of Social Media on Learners
The Network is the Learning
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Why Let Our Students Blog?
I think the better question (after seeing the "Why not let our students blog?" you tube clip) is why NOT let our students blog?!?
Click here to see this you tube clip: "Why Let Our Students Blog?
It struck me how many ways in which a blog can be used for the benefit of our students. I especially noted the importance of excitement, motivation, and participation.
Excitement is important in any classroom because it will keep students engaged in their work. They will put more effort into the class and gain more if they are excited about the topic or assignment. Students will come to class prepared to participate in that days activities if they are excited to learn. Blogs allow students to contribute directly to the class community, which as I have seen, builds excitement among students of any age group.
Motivation is a huge part of the classroom. Even though any teacher would like to think that our class is the most interesting and so awesome that students will naturally love coming to class and doing the homework- it's not true (in most cases). Students need motivation!! Blogging is an excellent example of a motivator. For example, blogging may motivate a student to do an assignment he or she may not have chosen to do because the topic was "boring" or did not cater to his or her learning style. Creating another avenue such as a blog, which speaks to many different learners, may encourage that student to do the work.
Participation is the most important element within the classroom, especially in social studies. When students actively participate, they are engaged and learning. Participation is the root of discussion, debate, group work, and real retention and learning. Blogging allows all students to participate in a non-threatening environment. Sometimes, students can better articulate what they want to say or share with the class through the written word. Blogs allow all students to participate.
Click here to see this you tube clip: "Why Let Our Students Blog?
It struck me how many ways in which a blog can be used for the benefit of our students. I especially noted the importance of excitement, motivation, and participation.
Excitement is important in any classroom because it will keep students engaged in their work. They will put more effort into the class and gain more if they are excited about the topic or assignment. Students will come to class prepared to participate in that days activities if they are excited to learn. Blogs allow students to contribute directly to the class community, which as I have seen, builds excitement among students of any age group.
Motivation is a huge part of the classroom. Even though any teacher would like to think that our class is the most interesting and so awesome that students will naturally love coming to class and doing the homework- it's not true (in most cases). Students need motivation!! Blogging is an excellent example of a motivator. For example, blogging may motivate a student to do an assignment he or she may not have chosen to do because the topic was "boring" or did not cater to his or her learning style. Creating another avenue such as a blog, which speaks to many different learners, may encourage that student to do the work.
Participation is the most important element within the classroom, especially in social studies. When students actively participate, they are engaged and learning. Participation is the root of discussion, debate, group work, and real retention and learning. Blogging allows all students to participate in a non-threatening environment. Sometimes, students can better articulate what they want to say or share with the class through the written word. Blogs allow all students to participate.
Friday, September 11, 2009
How to ensure that Blogging is SAFE!
The Internet is an amazing tool for classroom teaching, but can be dangerous when precautions are not followed. It is the teachers responsibility to make sure students are safe when using internet tools! (That's why we need to learn how to navigate the internet!)
To ensure that my students (and me!) are safely using a Blog I will...
1. Make clear the guidelines (including restrictions) for using internet tools such as Blogger. Knowledge is power! If students know how to PROPERLY use internet tools for the classroom they will be safe.
2. Get administration, other teachers, and parents on board. When bringing the internet into the classroom, other professionals and parents must know the objectives and goals. Students must have access to computers and have permission from parents and guardians. (A teacher must provide an alternative assignment for the students that do not want/ cannot participate in an online activity.) Students must also have resources or assistance if they do not understand the technology.
3. Be a role model and set up my blog as I want my students to set up their own blogs. I will go through the process step by step and explain why we do not include last names, pictures, and why it is important to use a nickname. I will also closely monitor what the students are saying and who is talking to one another.
4. Consult a Library Media Specialist who is very familiar with safe, kid- friendly websites. I want students to use the Internet, but get accurate and understandable information.
To ensure that my students (and me!) are safely using a Blog I will...
1. Make clear the guidelines (including restrictions) for using internet tools such as Blogger. Knowledge is power! If students know how to PROPERLY use internet tools for the classroom they will be safe.
2. Get administration, other teachers, and parents on board. When bringing the internet into the classroom, other professionals and parents must know the objectives and goals. Students must have access to computers and have permission from parents and guardians. (A teacher must provide an alternative assignment for the students that do not want/ cannot participate in an online activity.) Students must also have resources or assistance if they do not understand the technology.
3. Be a role model and set up my blog as I want my students to set up their own blogs. I will go through the process step by step and explain why we do not include last names, pictures, and why it is important to use a nickname. I will also closely monitor what the students are saying and who is talking to one another.
4. Consult a Library Media Specialist who is very familiar with safe, kid- friendly websites. I want students to use the Internet, but get accurate and understandable information.
Top 3 ways I will use Blogging in my classroom
Blogging, I have just learned, is a really cool tool! I am excited to practice blogging so that I can use it in my own classroom in the future.
The top 3 ways to use a blog (according to me):
1. Create a class blog for an ongoing discussion outside the classroom on current events. Current events is a major part of the social studies classroom. Students and the teacher can post, comment or provide links and images to the class blog to start a discussion online that will be continued in the classroom. Some students may be more comfortable "speaking up" online via a blog. Beginning the conversation outside of class may spur discussion from those students less likely to talk inside the classroom.
2. Ask and encourage students to comment on the class blog. They will be encouraged to ask questions, answer those questions, react to an assignment or post ideas for projects or class discussion. I will post examples of the type of work I am looking for on a particular assignment. I might also use this as a "homework helpline." Students can get help from me or peers. Students may also create their own course blog.
3. A personal blog could be used for reflection and correspondence with other teachers. Collaboration is an excellent way to ensure that your lesson plans are the best they can be. Other teachers help you think about new ways of teaching familiar material. Reflection is a large component of teaching. Even a simple post to the blog will help a teacher track his or her progress and record the strengths and weaknesses of that day or lesson.
The top 3 ways to use a blog (according to me):
1. Create a class blog for an ongoing discussion outside the classroom on current events. Current events is a major part of the social studies classroom. Students and the teacher can post, comment or provide links and images to the class blog to start a discussion online that will be continued in the classroom. Some students may be more comfortable "speaking up" online via a blog. Beginning the conversation outside of class may spur discussion from those students less likely to talk inside the classroom.
2. Ask and encourage students to comment on the class blog. They will be encouraged to ask questions, answer those questions, react to an assignment or post ideas for projects or class discussion. I will post examples of the type of work I am looking for on a particular assignment. I might also use this as a "homework helpline." Students can get help from me or peers. Students may also create their own course blog.
3. A personal blog could be used for reflection and correspondence with other teachers. Collaboration is an excellent way to ensure that your lesson plans are the best they can be. Other teachers help you think about new ways of teaching familiar material. Reflection is a large component of teaching. Even a simple post to the blog will help a teacher track his or her progress and record the strengths and weaknesses of that day or lesson.
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