Last week, we had the privilege of listening to George Couros talk about the ways in which his school is incorporating social media in the classroom. He was present via Skype, which was one of the tools that he discussed as being valuable for educators. He explained the benefit of having the ability to connect with anyone, anywhere in the world, in order to listen to their expertise in a given subject mater. I agree with him. The more view points and information we can present to our students, the more opportunity to learn.
I was pleasantly surprised to hear what is going on in George's school. It's amazing how much further ahead of the times some school divisions are. From my experiences so far, even basic technology is lacking, and if it is there, the school division has a tight grip on what can be done with that technology. For example, blocking all social media websites prevents teachers from using these tools for the benefit of ourselves and our students. We need to focus on teaching students to be respectful digital citizens as well as everyday citizens in society. The students at George's school are at an advantage because they are being shown the proper uses of the internet and social media, and are leaving that school armed with an arsenal of resources and tools that will help them succeed in today's society.
As I was browsing through potential resources, I came across another website that has links to various blogs and wiki's used in the classroom, and provides tips for beginner teachers that want to use social media. I quickly added the site to my Diigo bookmarks, and I suggest you do the same:
http://my-ecoach.com/online/webresourcelist.php?rlid=4992#2 - Classroom Blogs and Wikis
Have a good one folks!
Thanks for your kind words. I really do believe our school is doing some very innovative things but it is a lot easier when SCHOOLS are doing this together. The progress we can make when we push innovation and can learn from each other that is going through the same process is hugely beneficial to all of us.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words! I look forward to connecting more in the future.
I too was surprised to here what was going on a George's school. I was interesting to see and hear. I do agree with you about school division have a tight grip on what can be done with technology, which is terrible.
ReplyDeleteWe do have to teach our students’ about the dangers of the internet. After all there our dangers about letting students play outside, but we do not block them from going outside.
Yes, it is great to know that there are schools out there with this kind of forward thinking. I don't think I know of any around here doing anything like what George's school seems to be doing, but as long as school's like his and administrators like him are breaking trail then eventually the rest of the schools and administrators will follow.
ReplyDeleteAlso, good for the link. I've just taken a quick look over it, saw some useful stuff and added it as well. Thanks!
Thanks for this link, Jesse, looks useful.
ReplyDeleteGreat resource I will definitely be taking a look at the s!ite more in depth
ReplyDeleteYeah - Georges school has certainly 'got it goin on'! I think we need a lot more admin like George out here. I am actually following George as my Edu blogger and I gotta say its pretty great stuff!
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