Classroom 2.0

A couple of years ago, I was introduced to a new social-networking site specically designed for technology-minded teachers called Classroom 2.0. (A bit of an aside, Classroom 2.0 is a social network created via Ning, which allows anyone to create a social network.)

In general, it shares numerous features of "mainstream" social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, such as the option to update your status by answering the question "What brings you here" in 140 characters or less and being able to be friends with numerous colleagues. These feeds, as well as discussions are updated in real-time, thus you can always have a “finger on the pulse” of many new an innovative ideas!

A great feature of Classroom 2.0 is the “Forum” (message board). I find this incredibly helpful to use, especially when planning a new lesson or teaching a new subject. You can simply post a question/request for resources and other teachers on Classroom 2.0 are always willing to “put in their 2 cents” and offer suggestions, tips, and resources. In my experience it’s almost always been helpful!

Another awesome feature of Classroom 2.0 are the collaborative Webinar projects that have been done in conjunction with PBS and Elluminate. Essentially, these are on-line “mini-conferences”/lectures on a variety of topics. Simply put they are AWESOME and free…what more could you ask for?! You can “watch” them in real-time or, once you’re a member of Classroom 2.0 can access earlier recorded sessions via links from the Classroom 2.0 website. It’s a great way to learn more about a new resource, all from the comfort of your computer, wherever it may be!

What I think I appreciate most about Classroom 2.0 is that it is incredibly well organized and to me, never feels like people are not “focused” in using it. Every person who is a part of Classroom 2.0 is dedicated to utilizing technology to enrich learning and they are happy to share their successes, failures, and suggestions with anyone and everyone who is interested. All of the questions I have asked/discussions I have had have been professional, respectful, and helpful. As someone who is still new to utilizing a variety of technology in the classroom, I find this invaluable!

I suggest you join the site and browse, discuss, and learn from those “around you”. I hope you enjoy exploring this amazing resource!

Internet Resources for Education

"Internet Resources for Education"...sounds like a good thing to search in Google. But wait, the Internet is much more than just Google? What can the Internet, all of it, bring to the classroom?

1) It may sound cliché, but truly "the possibilities are endless". Computer use/Internet resources in the classroom are the reason I started blogging to begin with, because I was at a conference that highlighted it, and I thought, "Wow, what a great resource/idea...maybe I'll try". At that conference, I created my first blog entry about some of these ideas. I've re-posted them below, as just a smattering of resources/ideas of how to use the Internet for education.

(From 11/8/2008)

Below are links to the many of the things I've heard mentioned this weekend!

Basics
Some basic explanations and/or websites that help explain some of these ideas

Common Craft
Cool website that offers basic explanations of useful Web 2.0 technology and other things

On-line Resources
Social Networking, OpenSource Communication,
Sooo many options out there!

Teacher Tube

Google Apps for Education

Google Book Search

Google Scholar

Google Lit Trips


Teacher Friendly Websites/OpenSource Ideas/Social Networking
Again, just a small smattering of what's out there!

Edmodo
Classroom and Content Specific Social Networking

Ning
Create Your Own Social Network!

Twitter
Get Information Out!

You Stream
An easy way to stream video

VoiceThread
Sharing, chatting, commenting about a common project

Moodle
OpenSource software for schools

United Streaming
A web-based resource for educators from the Discovery Channel

Delicious
Another great social-bookmarking site for teachers

Diigo
Bookmarking site for teachers

ooVoo
A way to communicate via the web

Open Source Initiative
Just like it sounds....make it work!


2) Another issue about using the Internet in the classroom is the shift it can create from a strict instruction-based environment to a hands-on-learning based environment. If the Internet, in various forms, is integrated into the curriculum in the classroom, we are recreating how students learn. It is a shift SO far away from the current educational format in most classrooms and school districts, but in my opinion is necessary. How do I say this without writing a thesis?!? Students need to have the opportunity to not only acquire information (which the Internet is helpful for), but also create ways to understand it, be able to share it with others, and most importantly, be able to utilize the information in a constructive way! The Internet is not only a springboard for such learning, but is also a platform on which to stand!

3) On a personal note, I think about my own school, which is piloting a series of web-based education resources (see list/links below). Just this week, we began integrating the reading programs, Lexia and Reading Plus, into the curriculum, but thus far the students are engaged and enjoying the process provided by such programs. It's a big step for us...one that I hope continues to grow in the coming years!

Lexia
A reading program for beginning readers-late elementary school.

Reading Plus
A reading program for late-elementary school through high school and beyond.

iPass
A math program that focuses on gains in specific, basic math skills.

Formatted to align with standardized testing.

Symphony Math

A math program that helps develop a basic mathematics skills.

The more I think about it, the more I realize I can't fully put into words all of the possibilities that are out there. However, I do hope to continue finding resources, utilizing them in the classroom, and sharing them with others. For myself, as an educator, that is the first step.