Classroom 2.0

The social networking group that would definitely be useful to me is Classroom 2.0.  It has so many resources and helpful tips for everything technology wise in the classroom.  The site combines Web 2.0 resources with teacher know-how.  You can find everything from support for new teachers, lesson plan ideas, ways of using Google Earth in the classroom to supportive links of other educational networking groups.  I will be reading and researching the support resources offered to new teachers.  Through Classroom 2.0, I have already found a social networking group for librarians.  Hooray!

Connecting Others to The World

One of our goals as educators is to share knowledge and help students develop critical thinking minds.  We also want our students to grow and expand their knowledge of the world we live in.  Consider the following  analogy, teachers are like radio towers and students are the radio stations.  And what do radio towers provide? Radio towers provide radio stations with the power to be connected to the world.  However the only way we can provide a good connection to our students is by staying current and relevant in today's digital world.  The importance of continual learning was reiterated again by George Siemens' Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age.

I liked Siemens' concept that "learning is a continual process, lasting for a lifetime".  And as educators it is our responsibility to remain connected to the digital world through education.  No longer can we use the excuse of schedules and location because online classes and work related experience credit offer alternative ways to "attend class".   The nature of knowledge is changing and the way of obtaining that knowledge is changing too.  According to Siemens, "the average individual has to continue to stay current over a course of a lifetime".   Imagine that!  A lifetime of learning.  In other words, a teacher's education should not end with a teacher's certificate or a master's degree.  It should continue (with emphasis on the word "continue") to grow, in order to provide students and fellow educators fresh and new ideas.