View my page on Classroom 2.0

I first discovered Nings, specifically Classroom 2.0 in last summer of 2007. I think at that time there were just shy of 400 members. It was an incredible resource at that time, a very welcoming environment full of knowledgeable people who were willing to share their expertise, experiences, and offer advice on just about any topic. And now? This particular network boasts over 14,000 members!

Is it overwhelming? Absolutely, but if one takes the time to explore, there is much to find. My particular recommendation is to the tags on the right hand column (scroll down). You can search by tool, subject, and area. Each keyword brings up post after post that matches the tag. You can still spend a huge amount of time even after narrowing the focus, but it’s quite worthwhile. I count Classroom 2.0 as an important piece of my Personal Learning Network (PLN).

This isn’t the only Ning in which I am a member. This past summer, I joined the NECC 2007 Ning, which also became a great resource for me to keep up with the conference in San Antonio when I was stuck in Georgia unable to attend. I was able to find information about sessions, see pictures from the conference, and “hear” about the best NECC had to offer.


View my page on NECC 2008

Social networking is the center piece of my professional learning. Without the pieces that make it up, I would be at a great disadvantage. It is my network that I rely on to learn of new tools and trends in Educational Technology and how they are being applied in the classroom. Traditional professional learning courses are not plentiful enough nor available in a timely fashion, which makes my social networks all the more important to me.

Social networks definitely have an important place in the classroom as well. Students thrive in environments where they can communicate, share, and collaborate digitally. For those students who are particularly shy, the use of social network can be a means for them to branch out and make a valuable contribution that they may not have felt comfortable doing in a traditional classroom environment. Social networks can open students up to a wide variety of perspectives as they have the ability to connect with others across the state, United States, and internationally. For students who might never get the opportunity to travel much outside of their state or country, these opportunities can be invaluable learning experiences.


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