www.ning.com

After becoming a member of ning.com I was able to search and browse the website. After searching several networks I came upon one that really interested me. I joined Classroom 2.0. This social network will be useful to me because it will be place I can post questions that I might have (classroom projects, procedure, tips or strategies for the classroom) and get honest feedback from its members. After looking over the network, it seems as though I can click on a specific subject area and it will take me to all of the discussions pertaining to that subject area. I also like how some blogs explain how to use certain technologies in the classroom. It seems like a real user friendly network that has tips and strategies for the classroom. I look forward to learning more about my social network and ning.com.
Classroom 2.0 URL is http://www.classroom20.com/

A learner is like a ....

Being a learner today is like trying to follow the latest fashion trends. To be effective you have to constantly change out the old wardrobe and monitor what the new trends are to replace the new wardrobe with the appropriate items. The items represent the types of learning media (social networks, new technology etc) and the wardrobe represents the collective methods of learning. Learners today can gain knowledge through multiple technology sources that enable you to connect your thoughts with others online. This differs from the collective methods which include lecture by an educator and/or textbooks. Technology is changing how the young and old learn new information.
After reading George Siemens article on Connectivism and viewing his audio on The Impact of Social Media on Learning it supports my analogy of a learner today. George Siemens states that new information is continually being acquired and it is important for the learner to make distinctions between important and unimportant information (Siemens, 2005). As for my analogy, the fashion follower needs to be continually searching for the latest trends using the most current avenue. This avenue would be using social networks (blogging, facebook, myspace etc...) instead of relying on magazines or television broadcasts. The fashion follower will have to use his/her own judgement and make appropriate decisions by weeding through the information given. In Siemens audio on youtube, he states that social networking is extremely reliant with the connections you make with others and that through social means we are able to share and connect with each other (Siemens). Learners today are not just learning internally, they have the ability to connect their thoughts and ideas with others around the world as a new way to obtain the most current information possible. Living in the digital age brings many opportunities, learners just have to know how to use them correctly.

WATCH THE VIDEO - http://youtube.com/watch?v=grl_h88vs3g&feature=PlayList&p=3E43054A8703F57A&index=4

References:

Siemens, G. (2005,January). Conntectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, Retrieved September 17,2009 from http://www.itdl.org/journal/jan_05/article01/htm.

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Ways to Use Blogs in the Classroom

Here are some great ideas on how to incorporate blogs into any classroom.

1. Parent Involvement

Teachers can use blogs as a way to communciate inportant information about daily activities, upcoming events, test dates, parent forms, field trip information, daily homework assignments and projects that studetns will be engaging in. This is a great way to involve and inform parents without having to send home notices in hopes that parents will recieve the information. The classroom blog can be updated daily and available to parents at their convience.

2. Sharing Stories

Teachers can also use blogs as a way to post students' written stories. Once their stories are posted, the teacher can start a peer reivew process. Each student can read two or three stories and post their comments on the story read. After feedback is given, students can use the feedback to make any changes that are necessary. Blogs can also be used as a way to post short stories on family traditions and cultural backgrounds. This promotes cultural awareness amoung students and is another engaging way they can learn about cultures other than their own.

3. Reinforcement Material

Blogs can also be used as a way to reinforce material that has been taught in any subject area. Teachers can create blogs that have links to educational interactive websites that students can participate in or watch video clips on the subject matter that was taught. Additional infomation can be added in a blog that pertains to the topic learned or additional instruction can be given in a pod cast for students who are struggling with the material. This encourages extended learning and is a great way to keep students connected to learning outside the classroom.