Networked Classrooms: Reflection Questions

The assigned chapter in Personal Learning Networks does a stellar job of highlighting benefits of and concerns regarding networked classrooms. The benefits are numerous, but one I cannot help but focus on is that networked classrooms are supportive of problem- or inquiry-based learning. What an educational experience to acknowledge a real world problem, be tasked with finding a viable solution, and collaborate with network connections to do it! Learning that results from self-motivated, innovative, and collaborative problem-solving will be lasting and builds real world skills.

The possibility of networking with classrooms or individuals all over the world is a tremendous advantage. Growing up, the people in my community (family, friends, classmates, etc.), were not world travelers. I was exposed to globes, maps, and perhaps news stories of major events in other parts of the country or the world. I cannot say that I ever registered how vast this world is and (I regret to say) did not spend much time wondering how others lived. In adulthood, my worldview has expanded, and I am still coming along (and have much further yet to go!). In a networked classroom, horizons may be expanded by making connections with different people in different places. I suspect, too, that through learning about other people, discovering how they live, pondering similarities and identifying differences, that empathy in students would be enhanced, perhaps one of the greatest benefits I could fathom.

I feel like I would need a lot of support in transitioning to a more networked classroom! In our text, it was suggested to start with something we are already good at teaching and "re-envision it through more of a 21st century lens". That sounds like a logical way to go about it. Additionally, I would collaborate with educators who do have networked classrooms, talk through my ideas, and get feedback. (I suspect Twitter connections would be more than happy to give suggestions.)

A networked classroom seems to be an ideal setup for a class with diverse needs. In a setting where an educator sets the parameters and is available to provide guidance, students of varying abilities with unique skills or challenges can all thrive and achieve educational goals. If assessment of learning is flexible, students may demonstrate mastery of skill or gains in knowledge in various ways, highlighting their strengths.

To tweet or not to tweet?

To tweet! @CamilleSmithRD

So I think I'm going to like this. Initially, I thought I would have to plan to spend about 15 minutes a day on Twitter to ensure that I spent any time at all using it. After just a few days of exploring Twitter, I may need to set a 15 minute rule to limit myself so that I don't spend hours a day expanding my PLN. Making new connections is exciting!

At present, I am following quite a few organizations (and maybe a delicious food truck or restaurant or two), but fewer individuals. I plan to transition to following more individuals after investing more time in noticing who is following whom. One individual I did choose to follow noticed that I had followed her, sent me a welcome message, thanked me for the follow, and complimented my profile. I responded, noting her clever name, and she "favorited" my comment. What a thrill!

In the Twitter 102 video, Mr. Stumpenhorst suggested starting by re-tweeting. This feels like a safe way to get the process started. I am eager to tweet more, but it does not yet feel effortless (I'm still over-thinking everything). The more I think about it, the more appreciative I am that we are able to learn how to use Twitter thoughtfully, intentionally, and in a way that will be beneficial professionally.

I am intrigued about the Twitter4Teachers wiki. People seem to love it and give it stellar reviews, but it has left me a little bit confused. I plan to get better acquainted with it in the very near future and invite any recommendations in maximizing its usefulness.

Let's hear it for my blog. Thanks, EDET543, for making this happen!

I must begin by saying it took everything I had to not include a terrible pun in this blog title. Please "meet me halfway" and be appreciative that I did not name this Kenny Bloggins. Bringing zesty back is a fitting blog title for a gal like me. Zesty, in my opinion, is an underused adjective which I am attempting to bring back into circulation. It is versatile and brings exuberance to conversation and lets people know you believe your topic to be rather spectacular. I feel a genuine enthusiasm for nutrition and am energized also by the enthusiasm that has been brewing for educational technology. Zesty can describe the feeling one gets when she is excited to learn, grow, experience life fully, and seize opportunities.

I walked away from the week's reading assignment with a variety of thoughts. I love the empowerment that comes from knowing that we are in charge of our own learning, that we may create our own education. That's amazing. Every conversation, every connection, and every link we click is an opportunity to learn something. The thought of making a shift to networked, passion-based learning is powerful indeed.

Creating a Personal Learning Network (PLN) comprised of online and face-to-face connections enables us to pursue personal educational endeavors. This skill of intentionally connecting with others with whom we can collaborate, share, and learn is one we must possess in order to demonstrate it and teach it to our students and others who may be observing. I believe creating a PLN is essential. However, it is clear that honing this skill and becoming proficient will be a long journey for me.

It is with some hesitation that I set a goal to increase my participation in seeking and maintaining personal learning network connections. Currently, I do participate actively for social purposes. I do create, contribute,  and comment. Socially, I aim to keep the tone fun, light, and positive and historically have not sought out debate or allowed myself to join in conversations which are of a deeper nature. Perhaps this is just me over-thinking things, but extending my professional side out in the world via a blog or Twitter makes me feel vulnerable. Why? It invites debate and potentially criticism. I have given this quite a bit of thought and came across a TED Talk which discusses the value of criticism and inviting debate; it can ultimately help you learn and grow. See Margaret Heffernan's talk "Dare to disagree". This is not to say that I plan to interact exclusively with people with opposing views, but I do intend to participate more fully, knowing that I may face debate. I will strive to believe that all conversations and connections are potentially worthwhile and growth-promoting, even and especially when they are challenging.