Networking: Embracing it in the Classroom

Image From: dryicons.com

At an early age we start to understand the importance of networking.  We find people with similar interests and ideas and join groups accordingly.  As a middle school teacher, I find that students are familiar with online networking and are very comfortable with websites such as Facebook, Blogger, and Twitter.  Instead of forcing students to stop using these networking websites it is important to try to embrace networking in the classroom. 

Students can find answers instantly by searching online and know how to “Google” anything they might want to research.  They are used to getting answers to their questions as soon as they hit the “Google Search” button.   This fast paced research and learning environment can be beneficial in the classroom and used to the student’s advantage.  Students can connect with other students, experts, and classrooms around the world to learn about the topics they want to learn about.

Students are able to express themselves in 160 characters or less because of texting and tweeting.  Ideas and thoughts can be communicated in a matter of minutes which provides a platform for keeping ideas fresh and new.  So why not embrace technology and start teaching the importance of networking in classrooms around the country?

I found this interesting article on the length of texts and tweets: Click Here

Week 2- Personal Learning Environment Topic

This week I learned about the tools that are available to help organize information for my personal learning environment.  I usually feel overwhelmed when I begin researching a topic on the internet due to the variety of ways in which information is displayed.  It can be difficult to navigate through the abundance of information while trying to sort through what could be considered scholarly or a credible resource. 

I decided to choose American History as my topic of inquiry for my own personal learning environment (PLE).  This was an easy choice since I teach 7th Grade American History! There are so many wonderful websites, blogs, and other resources on the website that I had to find the best way to organize all of the information on this topic.

Google Reader is an excellent resource to help track all of the information I need for my PLE. I can follow all of my favorite websites and blogs in one convenient location to stay updated on my topic. Google Reader captures the Really Simple Syndication (RSS), which basically means that it alerts me of any new content added to my favorite sites.  This saves time by allowing me to check one website as opposed to all of my favorite websites and blogs on my topic.

Week One: Goals and Connecting to my Classroom

Learning Goals for the Course    
      I am very excited to learn more about Personal Learning Environments (PLE) and massively open online courses (MOOCs).   I  currently strive to incorporate different technology platforms in my lessons to help students stay engaged and excited about American History.  Students currently have assignments that use web quests, Glogster, Flip Video movies, and Moodle forums.  My main goal is to broaden my understanding of Personal Learning Environments in order to better serve my students.  It is exciting that students have the opportunity to explore their own interests and take responsibility for what they choose to research and create.


Connecting to Middle School
     One challenge of teaching students that live in such a fast paced world is connecting with them through technology.  They are essentially experts on social networking, chatting, and blogging before they even enter my classroom.  I want to integrate the use of web applications and online resources to reach out to my students.  Students want to be creative and use technology to express themselves and what they learn.  I want to give them the opportunity to socialize and collaborate using technology in all aspects of my class.  At the same time, I want to promote and teach digital responsibility.

The video below is a great resource that demonstrates the use of a PLE in a 7th grade science class.