Networked Classroom

While taking this class for creating a PLN for myself I can't help but think that there is so much new stuff that I am almost overwhelmed by it all!!!  I LOVE the idea of having a networked classroom. This is mainly because it allows students the opportunity to actually learn by their own creations and connections made through the use of blogs, videos, chats, skype, etc.  I have to say the in addition to the reading that was assigned for this week I also read chapter 3 from Personal Learning Network by Will Richardson and Rob Mancabelli and I believe networked classrooms are upon us.  Richarson/Mancabelli gave 7 reasons or benefits of a networked classroom and they included: Transparent, Collaborative, Learning centered, Accessible, Communication based, Supportive of problem- or inquiry-based learning, and Drvien by authentic assessment.  I agree that all of these are benefits and I found two quotes that I highlighted in the text that stood out to me.  In speaking about the Collaborative aspect of a networked classroom Richardson/Mancabelli says, 'If we remember that 'none of us is as smart as all of us,' we can begin to tap into the expertise of both those around us and those outside the school."  The fact that the students and teachers are not limited by the walls of the classroom is such a great opportunity for everyone to learn and expand their knowledge. This is a good enough reason for me to create a networked classroom.  I do however, think about how my generation would be today had we had the same opportunity of a networked classroom. The chance to reach outside the four walls of the classroom.  Would we be smarter or just better connected with others throughout the world. Would there be any skills not learned such as good scripting/handwriting, proper use of english (especially with all the cuts that are made in blogs, posts, and tweets to trim down what people of trying to say), or even public speaking in front of a live audience (I know its a totally different feeling when there are actual bodies in the room while speaking as opposed to you making a video or skyping. Its just not the same feelling.)  I guess I'm trying to figure out how to balance keeping these skills as well as learning the skills gained from a networked classroom.  Afterall, they are just as important as connecting with others from around the world. The other quote I found interesting talks about the assessment portion of a networked classroom. I would think it is difficult to actually grade or measure ones understanding of a concept if they are only chatting or blogging. However, I guess it depends on what kind of criteria is given to students. In supporting the networked classroom Richardson/Mancabelli argue that "Students are doing real work for real purposes for real audiences, and the products they create are measured accoudingly through self-reflection on the creation process, performces, portfolios, and a host of other ways."  This is certainly so that is depending on the criteria of the assignment.  I believe a networked classroom would be much easier to implement into higher grades.  Younger students such as 1st or 2nd graders are just learning how to spell words let alone write a blog about something they are learning.  Although, I can see where one could argue that this blogging could actually help students in learning how to spell since what they type is often more legible than what they physically write. LOL. This I know is true!  If you have never tried to read and grade the writing of a 1st grader you should give it a try sometime. It's interesting sometimes. At any rate, implementing a networked classroom is definitely something that can be done in any grade and any classroom. It's just a matter of figuring out how and when to do so.         

I certianly could see how a networked classroom would benefit diverse students such as esol or gifted students.  Having a live chat or blog gives all students a chance to be heard where in a class discussion typically not every student is heard.  It can also cause students to think from a different point of view.  As one student explains where or how they came to their answer or explanation the other students in the class can be taken to a whole new approach that they never would have thought of before.  I know this has happened to be before so I am certian that this happens with students as well. I would need to do some more research to better understand effective ways to help these students in particular. One thing that does come to mind is my rewording or rephrasing questions or explanations for esol students, possibly using a free web translator if necessary. 

I would love to begin transforming my classroom into a networked classroom.  This will have to wait for me until I have my own classroom.  Since I am only an assistant I only teach select lessons. As I create new lessons I am definitley going to keep this in mind and try to begin or test different ways to create my own future networked classroom.  I know I will be teaching on earth day so I am going to see how I can get my students involved somehow.  This will take some thinking but I'm confident I can do it.  If you have any thoughts please let me know! 

Twitter, my new best friend!!!!

I made this word cloud using Tagxedo Check it out.

TWITTER you are my new best friend!!!!

I have to say that I am impressed with how twitter is used.  This tool is definitely something that can be used not only on a personal basis but in the classroom as well.  I can see teachers using twitter inside the classroom while working on a project or even outside of the classroom when they have questions, concerns, or find something interesting that is related to their schoolwork. This would help students in learning how to narrow down their words to use the most important facts by having the word limit, especially for those long winded talkers and writers. I have come to love the twitter deck. I have only installed it on my computer but I am definitely going to put it on my phone as well.  I love how I can create lists so that I see specific topics that I am interested in.  By using the twitter deck it will make collaborating with classmates easier as well as collaborating for the teacher with other professionals easier.  Needless to say I am super excited about using twitter. While I was researching micro blogs I came across this article.  http://tinyurl.com/ce69s6 In this article there are several other micro blogging options out there to use such as Jaiku and Yammer. I plan on checking each of these out to see if maybe one of these would be more classroom friendly but for right now I am trying to get my feet wet with twitter. I have learned that micro blogging is similar to sms messaging but on a global scale where you can share information you have found and also see what others are sharing as well.  Although it’s much shorter than standard blogging it is definitely an efficient way of communication and collaboration.  I see myself learning much in the next few weeks and I can’t wait!  This is another reason I love being a teacher because I am constantly learning new things. I love it!! Has anyone used any of these other micro blogs? If so let me know what you think of them. 

Twitter Anxiety

So this week I created a twitter account! :) I know....YEAH CHRISTINA!!!  After going through twitter and reading up on the meanings of some of the different terminology I am beginning to think this might take me a bit to get used to.  I'm still not sure on how to use the # correctly but I am going to play around with it and see what happens.  I have been super busy this week with working two jobs and little sleep so maybe over the next couple of days I can find an hour or two to dedicate to just twitter. This way I can try to get a good understanding on how exactly it all works.  If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.  I usually catch on to new things easily, however this for some reason is not coming as easily as I had hoped it would for me.

Clipart by Blinkofyoureye.com.

 If you want to follow me and maybe give me some pointers that would be great!!  @carriedawaycs 

Tumblr as a PLN

                            
                            Picture from http://www.librarygirl.net/2012/07/pln-starter-kit.html

After doing some research on different PLN's I came across Tumblr as potential source. I have heard of it before and have seen others use resources they have pulled from it but I never took the step to look into it to see what it was all about.  After creating my own Tumblr account I was quickly able to see that there are many benefits to this resource.  I was able to find all sorts of PLN blogs others have created as well as different resources on specific subjects or areas of interest such as math or increasing student vocabulary.  Although this is just another blog source I think it helps to have a couple of different options available to you.  Finding the right PLN takes some time.  Although I seem to like this right away I am defintely going to keep checking back on my tumblr and posting on it as I am on my blogger, just to see if this is definitely something I want to continue using.  If you want to take a look at a couple of the blogs I am following, please go ahead and take a look. Let me know what you think. My tumblr is http://carriedawaycs.tumblr.com/   Feel free to leave me a message here on my blogger or on tumblr! :-)

I just created my first blog as a part of an assignment. I'm curious how this is going to work. More to come and I'm sure I will be learning a lot. Hopefully some tools I can use in my classroom! Here's to new beginnings!!