Chapter+3+&+4+Reflections

Chapter 3 & 4 Reflections

**-On p. 71 the authors have listed five methods for using network learning spaces online in classrooms. Discuss how you can put each of these to work in your classroom by giving examples.**
1. Connect inside the classroom: We are constantly working in Google Docs and collaborating with one another digitally. Students have also been sharing and submitting assignments through my webpage. In addition, students are taking part in TodaysMeet chats about various topics we discuss in class. 2. Publish work locally and globally: We participate in Youngzine, which is a magazine for youth that allows for posts to be seen by anyone (if our settings are set that way). It gives students authentic ownership in what they post, and I find I get higher quality writing in authentic experiences. 3. Connect outside the classroom: We participate in ePals, where we have French pen pals we talk to. Students are also encouraged to utilize several networking resources to connect with each other and with me in a flipped classroom environment. 4. Connect with experts around the world: We look to several author sites and plan to Skype yet this year with authors who have written our class novels. We eagerly anticipate this. 5. Collaborate with others to create and share knowledge- Students are taught to share their Google Doc (mini-mystery) with a non-student adult whose opinion they trust. This person is giving editing capabilities to jot notes and help make changes to help enhance the mini-mystery. We review using revision history to see what changes were made and see what they want to keep and what they wish to leave the same. I use this continuously in Twitter and online blogs to make connections with other teachers and professionals who provide great resources for me to use within my classroom.

**- On page 87 the following questions were asked: **
== **1) The reason that learning is changing is . . . . Answer the question "What is the reason that learning is changing?**  == To me, learning is changing because our media is changing. Things are at students' fingertips instantly, so learning is constantly happening. We need to make changes within our schools to harness this method of instantaneous learning from a global perspective. No longer is our learning coming in paper form, with textbooks as the primary source. Now, with handheld devices, kids can have the answers to any question right away. We, now, are forced to help students learn to monitor that content for clarity, accuracy, and reliability. We can't dictate HOW they get their information, but rather, need to help them dictate WHAT information they deem important and functional. == **2) We really need to use learning networks because . . . Answer the question "Why do we really need to use learning networks?**  == We absolutely need learning networks as educators and as students. At the TIE Conference this year, I heard what is now my favorite quote: "Most of my learning will come from people I will likely never meet." This is SO true! I look at the people just yesterday, for example, who I networked with on Twitter or other venues and got resources from. I have never met most of them. I will likely never meet most of them. However their impact on my teaching and the learning of my students is profound. Without PLN's, you are limited to only the people you see on a daily basis. There are experts out there who are the best in their fields. With today's technology, putting yourself out there both as an expert and seeking other experts, allows you to make lifelong connections that are better for everyone. == **-Chapter 4 gives details on how to set up a Networked School. We know that project is not possible for all of you, but you can setup a Personal Learning Network with teachers in your building, in your school district, in the state, and in the nation and around the world. Describe the Personal Learning Network that you have created for yourself.** == I have created a rather extensive PLN for myself. When I look at the past year, I have expanded my network 10-fold. I used to be a casual Twitter user, but didn't really use it enough to see the benefit. After I began using it more and more frequently, I found so many more connections. Now, I see myself as almost a Twitter addict! :) I also make connections on Google+ and Facebook and have really sought out those "experts" in neighboring districts who I see at occasional events in order to expand what I do. When I first started teaching, my lessons revolved around what I could find in a teacher's manual, purchased book, or other teachers in the district. Now, with the internet, my contacts, and other resources, I am able to find the very best material for my students from a very wide variety of resources in my PLN.