What if...?

As teachers, we often take advantage of opportunities to infuse technology into our lessons.  It is important to take into consideration whether what we choose and how we choose to use it can enhance student learning.  Let’s consider a “whatif”…What if we used technology to come up with ways to increase teacher learning? 

How about a website designed to serve as a platform for teacher learning that contains resources to promote professional learning communities?  The website seems necessary for a few reasons.  Professional learning communities may appear to some to be one of the latest buzzwords in the field of education.  I happen to view them differently and see them as necessary elements as teachers work to increase student learning.  They may also be a source of increasing effective teaching practices and learning for educators.  For example, the introduction of a district-wide initiative is often viewed as the next great means of increasing student achievement.  However, what often occurs is that teachers do not become adept at one initiative before the next is introduced.   In fact, a PLC can and should serve as the umbrella under which district initiatives fall. 

And, yes…there is a web site for that.  My site, http://riverviewvirtualplc.pbworks.com/, was created using PBworks.  I had intended to use wikispaces, but in considering out how to organize the website, I decided to use what I was familiar with since I knew the best way to manage the resources would be using folders.  Having a good deal of experience using PBworks with my elementary students, I knew the site had this feature.  I did, however, spend a lot of time on wiki spaces trying to figure it out.  (I am open to suggestions for use in the future!)

Incorporating social networking into a professional learning community seems ideal for members who want to collaborate outside of the school environment.  My PLC related web site could be considered a virtual PLC and a form of social networking.  Great benefits will emerge from encouraging teachers to talk to each other and learn from each other.  Sharing expertise is one way of promoting teacher learning, yet so often we are guarded in talking about we do within our classrooms.  The virtual PLC was designed as a place where teachers can find information and resources as well as place for adding and sharing information with colleagues.  A virtual PLC…bringing colleagues together…what a novel idea! 

What a novel idea....

Open Your Classroom Door...

Céad míle fáilte romhat…that’s Irish for “a hundred thousand welcomes to you!”       

           

            Has the increase of technology in our lives made the world a bit smaller?  Have teachers brought themselves out of the traditional isolation of their classrooms and opened their doors to a world of information beyond textbooks?  Without a doubt, educators need to figure ways to use technology for educational purposes as we work to prepare our students for the world in which they will live and work.

            It is important for teachers to think of valuable ways to use technology with students.  The blog is one venue.  I use blogging with my fourth graders as a means of responding to a question or reflecting on a novel we are reading in class.  When I first did this I was happy with the fact that I had figured out one meaningful way to use technology with my elementary students.  However, I was surprised with two things to come out of this task.  Students were working over the weekend, something normally unheard of, and students were putting more effort into their writing since their classmates would be viewing their posts.  From that point on, I have been hooked on thinking of ways to include technology in student learning whenever possible. 

            I use a class wiki as a starting point for all research conducted online in our classroom and for project-based learning activities.  One of the things that makes me extremely nervous about research with elementary students is keeping them safe.  One folder on the wiki is dedicated to safe resources for research.  It includes a safe Google Search Gadget for students.  So, when asked, “Ms. Benedict can I Google…?”, the answer is always yes as long as each student goes through the class wiki.  Feel free to check out our class wiki:  http://rv4benedict.pbworks.com  

            From this online class, to my elementary classroom's wiki, to connections I keep with family, friends, and colleagues via Facebook, there is a world of information…literally…at our fingertips.  While it may be impossible to keep up with changing technology both personally and professionally, this blog will be a way for me to reflect and make connections with others on the varied paths technology takes us in our lives.  Yes, our world has become a bit smaller.  

Sláinte!  That’s Irish for “Cheers!”