Reflection on Implementing a Networked Classroom

In chapter 3, Implementing a Networked Classroom in our Personal Learning Network book, the information was very helpful and packed full of ways to apply social media tools into the classroom.  I had to read the chapter more than once to obtain the material.  The chapter relays on-going, outside of the classroom, and successful tools to creating a connected classroom.  After reading about Clarence Fisher, I was inspired from his journey on turning his classroom into a learning networked classroom.   I joined Clarence (glassbeed) on twitter.  I feel that building my PLN, starting a connected classroom, and following Clarence will be a great asset to my classroom environment.

There are some advantages and disadvantages when to comes to changing a traditional classroom into a networked classroom.  Students are motivated when they are involved in authentic learning experiences that are meaningful to them.  The connections that are made expand interaction and collaboration outside of the classroom environment.  In a social networking classroom, using social media benefits all participates in a variety of ways. For example, these tools foster student’s technology and communication skills. Collaboration among peers creates a positive learning environment.  Networked classrooms benefits teachers and students in developing a respect for real life learning.  Learning to use social media tools and websites appropriately, in safe surroundings, will demonstrate the importance of a safe, responsible digital citizen.  Engaging students in social networking tools will prepare students for the environment in which they live.  Some key issues that are negative to having a networked classroom are that many school districts block most social media tools and websites.  School districts are slow to incorporate technology or they do not have the ability to handle the multimedia tools.  Another disadvantage of a learning networked class would be a lack of professional development for teachers.

Evolving into a networked classroom will be different from one classroom to another.  Time and patience will be essential in this process for all involved.  Building a personal learning network will be the vital key for a successful network learning classroom. Using social media and multimedia tools to implement into the classroom learning is a big factor of having a networked classroom.  Making connections, collaboration, sharing ideas and resources will facilitate the process.   Expect many challenges and problems however, having a troubleshooting and support plan in place will help when complications arise.

Having a network classroom would assist and individualize specific needs for students.  A learning network class could be tailored to fit individual academic, emotional, social needs. Meeting various students' needs, in language and any other diverse needs would benefit from class discussions, team interactions, and other class connections  Learning in this type of class will enrich learner diversity. Addressing the students with various needs would be represented in a networked classroom.   I believe the best way to sum it up is from Personal Learning Network (2011) “Collaborating with others to create meaningful important work should be the end goal of all of this”. 

 

Twitter Reflection

I am always excited to add instructional tools to the classroom that promote the use of technology.  The added use of Twitter is no exception.  Twitter is a professional, social, and learning network tool used to micro-blog and collaborate with other educators and stakeholders.  The amount of information provided about Twitter is awe-inspiring and is a never ending amount of resources.  In fact, while exploring, I found many uses for Twitter in the classroom.  These uses include, but are not limited to; suggestions of people/communities to follow that may expand your learning, videos and tips for effectively using Twitter in the classroom, and how to expand your personal learning network with Twitter.  I discovered a plethora of information on Pinterest.

Twitter seems to be a wonderful tool to express your voice and to be heard outside of the classroom for both teachers and students.  Web 2.0 How-to for Educators states, “The ability to feel connected can mean that students have a voice and an audience.  They can reach out to others in their class, school, or community. Or get answers from experts in their network” (Solomon & Schrum, 2010, pg 38).  With so many connections and resources, the possibilities of authentic real world teaching and learning pathways can open up many new opportunities for all stakeholders.

Twitter:  @christikemper

Solomon, G., & Schrum, L.  (2010).  Web 2.0: How-to for educators.  Eugene, OR: ISTE.
 

 

                

Reflection on Chapters 1 & 2 ~ Personal Learning Network book

I believe the best benefit of a personal learning network is that every individual has the opportunity to have a personal, unique group of connections that engage all involved with meaningful learning experiences.  The possibilities of resources are unlimited with the connections PLNs provide.  With these networks, obtaining lesson plans, multimedia tools, websites, and software are easily accessible to integrate into the classroom.  I find the most important part of making your PLNs valuable for all stakeholders involved is to acquire knowledge through the discussion and sharing of ideas.  This sharing will add to the diversity and quality of the interactions, and is a valuable classroom enrichment tool.   As our book Personal Learning Networks states, “Your network will grow, and your learning will never be the same.” 

The effects of PLNs have the ability to influence your personal and professional learning.  One advantage is that these social networking tools support and facilitate the learning process in a personalized approach. This type of collaborating provides different concepts and resources that you may not have otherwise discovered.  There are countless ways to utilize your own circle of contacts and resources by collaborating and networking with your peers.  Blogs, bookmarks, podcasts, and wikis are just a few examples of the vast technological avenues that are available to educators.

I believe in the whole concept that the first couple of chapters express;

I feel that the following concepts described in the first couple of chapters express the summary of my own beliefs regarding this educational concept:

“Schools have been working hard at making our kids learned because in the past, it was hard for them to do that without the teachers and resources that schools offered.  Not so today.  In the 21^st century, students inhabit a world in which we have the ability to truly make them learners who are able to create and share and participate in these online spaces in ways that will allow them to take advantage of whatever opportunities currently exist and the unimaginable ones that lie just around the corner.  To do that we adults in the room need to be learners in those contexts as well.”  (Richardson & Mancabelli, 2011, p. 20)

 

Richardson, W., & Mancabelli, R. (2011). Personal Learning Networks: Using the power of connections to transform education. Indiana: Solution Tree Press.