Comments on: “I Never Knew I Could Have a Network” http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/ Learning with the Read/Write Web Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:36:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Kara Whittingham http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-47482 Kara Whittingham Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:41:34 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-47482 I set up a wiki for my section at my college, to encourage teachers to network, and to collaborate more on resource development and knowledge sharing. Unfortunately, my head teachers continue to rely on email instead of making the wiki the place to go for information, and this has contributed to its adoption being quite poor. It has been interesting to see how, even when a networking tool was specially created by a teacher for the teachers, most have still been reluctant to take it up. I speak at conferences evangelizing the use of wikis for teachers and students and those who are interested are excited, but most teachers seem just too busy to go there. I set up a wiki for my section at my college, to encourage teachers to network, and to collaborate more on resource development and knowledge sharing.
Unfortunately, my head teachers continue to rely on email instead of making the wiki the place to go for information, and this has contributed to its adoption being quite poor.
It has been interesting to see how, even when a networking tool was specially created by a teacher for the teachers, most have still been reluctant to take it up.
I speak at conferences evangelizing the use of wikis for teachers and students and those who are interested are excited, but most teachers seem just too busy to go there.

]]> By: Angela http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-47270 Angela Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:25:34 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-47270 I most definitely agree that there still exist a large number of people, especially educators, who feel it is impossible for them to learn what much younger generations have already mastered. It is important to understand, however, that since these are much different generations, it is difficult to accept the fact that this type of technology is at our fingertips. It is a great point made that time and technology have proven to be great factors into this dilemma that holds our educators back as well as our education. What is great to see is that there are people who are working towards resolving these issues so that we can gain a comfortable grasp on this monster we call technology and learn to communicate and become a part of a much larger network of online community members through our own spaces that allow for us to share and discuss ideas, as well as learning a little something from one another. Life is a constant learning process, whether you’re five years old or fifty, and I am sure all educators agree. Rather than looking at technology and online spaces as an obstacle, we must see it as the greatest learning opportunity yet for all to master as their own skill and improve upon as we grow, exercise our minds, and expand upon the knowledge already available to us. I most definitely agree that there still exist a large number of people, especially educators, who feel it is impossible for them to learn what much younger generations have already mastered. It is important to understand, however, that since these are much different generations, it is difficult to accept the fact that this type of technology is at our fingertips. It is a great point made that time and technology have proven to be great factors into this dilemma that holds our educators back as well as our education. What is great to see is that there are people who are working towards resolving these issues so that we can gain a comfortable grasp on this monster we call technology and learn to communicate and become a part of a much larger network of online community members through our own spaces that allow for us to share and discuss ideas, as well as learning a little something from one another. Life is a constant learning process, whether you’re five years old or fifty, and I am sure all educators agree. Rather than looking at technology and online spaces as an obstacle, we must see it as the greatest learning opportunity yet for all to master as their own skill and improve upon as we grow, exercise our minds, and expand upon the knowledge already available to us.

]]> By: Amy http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-47169 Amy Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:34:58 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-47169 Ric, Very interesting -and so true by my observations- of teachers "isolated out of ignorance, choice- need it, avoid/ resent." (Factor of so many pressing responsibilities. ?) I am new to networking- as a grad requirement and learning so much! I wonder if the "75% (maybe more) of educators in this country still don’t know that they can have a network,” is in part due to administration's emphasis and attention to standardized test scores. So that professional development days are spent looking at scores, results and state standards instead of setting up network communities. Sounding bitter? Well, just speaking from experience. I know many dedicated teachers in my district would love the capability to network with other educators passionate about teaching and learning. Ric,

Very interesting -and so true by my observations- of teachers “isolated out of ignorance, choice- need it, avoid/ resent.” (Factor of so many pressing responsibilities. ?) I am new to networking- as a grad requirement and learning so much!

I wonder if the “75% (maybe more) of educators in this country still don’t know that they can have a network,” is in part due to administration’s emphasis and attention to standardized test scores. So that professional development days are spent looking at scores, results and state standards instead of setting up network communities. Sounding bitter? Well, just speaking from experience. I know many dedicated teachers in my district would love the capability to network with other educators passionate about teaching and learning.

]]> By: Bill Ferriter http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-47109 Bill Ferriter Sat, 01 Mar 2008 20:02:22 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-47109 Carolyn wrote: But it seems to me that there is a complex relationship between time and passion. As you become more passionate about something (say–teaching) you dedicate more and more time to it. As you become passionate about the benefits of networking, you make more and more time for it I think one of the barriers that we have to wrestle with is our belief that teaching and networking are two different, mutually exclusive things. For me, networking should never be seen as an "add-on" to someone's day. Instead, networking is the ideal tool for freeing up time for other passions. The knowledge that I gain from the group of people that I follow is often instant (eg. Twitter), related to other interests that I already have (eg. Delicious), and always from sources that I know and trust (eg. Blogs). Within a few minutes, I can do research, steal new ideas, borrow materials, get questions answered, and have someone help me to think in new ways....all without walking away from my computer. While some would argue that harms relationships, I would argue that it gives me more time and opportunity for relationships. Anyone have ideas about how we can help teachers to see networked learning as a seamless part of who they are? Bill Carolyn wrote:
But it seems to me that there is a complex relationship between time and passion. As you become more passionate about something (say–teaching) you dedicate more and more time to it. As you become passionate about the benefits of networking, you make more and more time for it

I think one of the barriers that we have to wrestle with is our belief that teaching and networking are two different, mutually exclusive things. For me, networking should never be seen as an “add-on” to someone’s day.

Instead, networking is the ideal tool for freeing up time for other passions. The knowledge that I gain from the group of people that I follow is often instant (eg. Twitter), related to other interests that I already have (eg. Delicious), and always from sources that I know and trust (eg. Blogs).

Within a few minutes, I can do research, steal new ideas, borrow materials, get questions answered, and have someone help me to think in new ways….all without walking away from my computer. While some would argue that harms relationships, I would argue that it gives me more time and opportunity for relationships.

Anyone have ideas about how we can help teachers to see networked learning as a seamless part of who they are?

Bill

]]> By: » Blended Opportunities Learning In a Flat World: Fun but Bumpy! http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46985 » Blended Opportunities Learning In a Flat World: Fun but Bumpy! Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:33:41 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-46985 [...] Will Richardson and Jeff Nugent noted this past week, we are in a transformative time. Will noted that some 75% of [...] [...] Will Richardson and Jeff Nugent noted this past week, we are in a transformative time. Will noted that some 75% of [...]

]]> By: » They’ve got networks, all right… Connecting the Dots http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46849 » They’ve got networks, all right… Connecting the Dots Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:56:26 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-46849 [...] Richardson is discussing personal learning networks again, and pitying the 75% of teachers who “don’t know they have a network.” I don’t think the problem is that the teachers don’t have networks or that they have [...] [...] Richardson is discussing personal learning networks again, and pitying the 75% of teachers who “don’t know they have a network.” I don’t think the problem is that the teachers don’t have networks or that they have [...]

]]> By: Suzie Boss http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46682 Suzie Boss Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:07:54 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-46682 Will, Can't count the number of times I've met teachers who do their innovative thing "under the radar." Some worry about negative feedback from administrators, as Brian suggests above. But others are wary of professional jealousy. And that's a shame. Good ideas don't get out into the world that way. Isolated teachers don't benefit from critical feedback or support of colleagues. One solution is for schools to cultivate a culture that welcomes idea-sharing as a step toward increasing collaboration. (That often means carving out time for these conversations to take place.) Another is for individual teachers to use all the networking tools they have handy to seek out like-minded peers wherever they can find them--in the classroom next door or halfway around the world. --Suzie Will,
Can’t count the number of times I’ve met teachers who do their innovative thing “under the radar.” Some worry about negative feedback from administrators, as Brian suggests above. But others are wary of professional jealousy. And that’s a shame. Good ideas don’t get out into the world that way. Isolated teachers don’t benefit from critical feedback or support of colleagues. One solution is for schools to cultivate a culture that welcomes idea-sharing as a step toward increasing collaboration. (That often means carving out time for these conversations to take place.) Another is for individual teachers to use all the networking tools they have handy to seek out like-minded peers wherever they can find them–in the classroom next door or halfway around the world.
–Suzie

]]> By: What Is Our District Offering? « EdTechTrek http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46679 What Is Our District Offering? « EdTechTrek Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:35:24 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-46679 [...] Is Our District Offering? Well, the latest discussion happening over on Will Richardson’s blog in conjunction with my prior blog post got me to [...] [...] Is Our District Offering? Well, the latest discussion happening over on Will Richardson’s blog in conjunction with my prior blog post got me to [...]

]]> By: Grace http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46678 Grace Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:34:36 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-46678 Love this entry! Although newer teachers are part of this new “cyber” generation, a lot of older teachers were sort of missed along they way. They just don’t know about a lot of the resources that are available to them—or should be made available to them by schools… They don’t know how to use simpler things like email effectively, they don’t realize all the pictures, videos, presentation, activities, etc, that they can find and use in modern media. I think that with all the technologies that students know how to use, teachers need to be aware of how they function as well. This way students can experience an educational side of websites, instead of focusing only on social/entertaining portions. Not to mention, as you do, the many, many different networks that can be created with other teachers. Within these networks, teachers can find support, new ideas, and opinions, if only they learn how to use it. Love this entry! Although newer teachers are part of this new “cyber” generation, a lot of older teachers were sort of missed along they way. They just don’t know about a lot of the resources that are available to them—or should be made available to them by schools… They don’t know how to use simpler things like email effectively, they don’t realize all the pictures, videos, presentation, activities, etc, that they can find and use in modern media. I think that with all the technologies that students know how to use, teachers need to be aware of how they function as well. This way students can experience an educational side of websites, instead of focusing only on social/entertaining portions. Not to mention, as you do, the many, many different networks that can be created with other teachers. Within these networks, teachers can find support, new ideas, and opinions, if only they learn how to use it.

]]> By: » del.icio.us not Tasty for Everyone techne http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46672 » del.icio.us not Tasty for Everyone techne Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:48:48 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-46672 [...] a recent post, Will Richardson [...] [...] a recent post, Will Richardson [...]

]]> By: Brian Crosby http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46671 Brian Crosby Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:31:57 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-46671 Hmmm ... what effect has NCLB (not to beat a dead horse) had on teacher collaboration in general? I think it has driven teachers behind closed doors. To do anything outside of "The Program(s)" is to defy administration ... therefore what I am doing is for "my eyes only" kind of thinking emerges ... don't want to involve others and get them in trouble or have someone else turn me in for not towing the line. Kind of flies in the face of a network at school especially ... and supports going outside your building IF YOU HAVE THE KNOW HOW to do that kind of networking. Brian Hmmm … what effect has NCLB (not to beat a dead horse) had on teacher collaboration in general? I think it has driven teachers behind closed doors. To do anything outside of “The Program(s)” is to defy administration … therefore what I am doing is for “my eyes only” kind of thinking emerges … don’t want to involve others and get them in trouble or have someone else turn me in for not towing the line. Kind of flies in the face of a network at school especially … and supports going outside your building IF YOU HAVE THE KNOW HOW to do that kind of networking.
Brian

]]> By: Will Richardson http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46667 Will Richardson Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:15:45 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-46667 Julia...that is the passion piece of this that I find so interesting in terms of how we deliver curriculum right now. More than anything else, that potential pushes us to think differently about what we are doing in schools. Julia…that is the passion piece of this that I find so interesting in terms of how we deliver curriculum right now. More than anything else, that potential pushes us to think differently about what we are doing in schools.

]]> By: Will Richardson http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46663 Will Richardson Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:14:28 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-46663 Sorry about that...here is the <a href="http://www.hcrhs.k12.nj.us/" rel="nofollow">correct link</a>. I've fixed it in the post. Sorry about that…here is the correct link.

I’ve fixed it in the post.

]]> By: Will Richardson http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46662 Will Richardson Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:13:22 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-46662 That's an interesting twist, Rodd. I'm not sure schools let teachers get around those barriers so easily, but you're right to wonder when boards will get it. Probably not until boards start to use networks themselves. That’s an interesting twist, Rodd. I’m not sure schools let teachers get around those barriers so easily, but you’re right to wonder when boards will get it. Probably not until boards start to use networks themselves.

]]> By: Steve Ransom http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/comment-page-1/#comment-46658 Steve Ransom Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:39:48 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2008/i-never-knew-i-could-have-a-network/#comment-46658 @Ric, thanks for your perspective. I can identify. We really need to find some effective ways to transform the notion that professional development/continuing education as an "added extra" to avoid or resist to a necessary (and desired) practice that breathes new life into one's own practice. These new networks are just [much needed] new ways with new options to stay connected, to keep learning, to be part of a relevant community without traditional limitations or barriers (time, place,...). I think for those who are unaware, they need a good (and I stress <i>good</i>) taste of what it can offer, as many, sadly, have a bad taste in their mouths regarding "professional development". Historically, we have got it wrong more that right. We talk a great deal about making learning engaging, relevant and meaningful for our students. We need to do the same for our staff and colleagues. @Ric, thanks for your perspective. I can identify. We really need to find some effective ways to transform the notion that professional development/continuing education as an “added extra” to avoid or resist to a necessary (and desired) practice that breathes new life into one’s own practice. These new networks are just [much needed] new ways with new options to stay connected, to keep learning, to be part of a relevant community without traditional limitations or barriers (time, place,…). I think for those who are unaware, they need a good (and I stress good) taste of what it can offer, as many, sadly, have a bad taste in their mouths regarding “professional development”. Historically, we have got it wrong more that right. We talk a great deal about making learning engaging, relevant and meaningful for our students. We need to do the same for our staff and colleagues.

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