Reflections+Chp+3-4

__**APRIL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS**__ **Chapter 3 pp. 59-82 -** **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 (h.s. Creative Writing and Yearbook classrooms)**

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**1) Connect students and teachers inside the classroom -** I have used Wikispaces (classroom assignments/materials posted for both courses, plus blogging between three classes of Creative Writing). Yearbook students (two different classes) post their stories and captions on Google docs for editing and use by members of the entire staff. (These efforts could/would be expanded if computers were more available, especially blogging, posting/editing writing). ======

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**2) Publish student and teacher work locally and globally** - Creative Writing students have developed their own wikis for publishing nonfiction, fiction and poetry. Also Glogster has provided a means for creating an electronic portfolio of both nonfiction and poetry. (Other possible uses might involve posting writings on specific websites for local and/or global writers.) The yearbook staff focuses primarily on creating a print publication, however students benefit from reviewing award winning layouts, photos, etc. from other schools nationwide. Also photography websites provide a means for student photography submissions as well. ======

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**3) Connect students and teachers outside the classroom** - Specifically, I have not encouraged this with my students this past year. I do recognize the value of connecting students with mentors and teachers beyond my classroom. (Ideas for expanding network learning online in my classrooms include the following: Skype or blog with a college Creative Writing class or another high school yearbook class.) ====== **4) Connect with experts around the world** (or in our immediate community). This area contains some exciting possibilities, especially for connecting my writing students with authors/writers. Bring the experts into our classrooms. For instance, my college writing professor (many years ago) is the SD Poet Laureatte, who has published numerous books of poetry. He would be a possible contact for Skyping or blogging with high school creative writing students. (At the Sioux Falls TIE Conference, April 16, 2012, Will Richardson talked about how his students blogged with the author of //The Life of Bees// while his students read the book. This example reflects how much network learning spaces can open countless possibilities for student and teacher learning.)

** 5) Collaborate with others to create and share knowledge. **
Currently my yearbook students create and share their specific assignments with other staff members using Google docs. Creative writing students create and share their work using wikispaces. Network learning spaces have allowed students to share their knowledge with other students, teachers and families within the WHS community, however this could be expanded far beyond the school walls (e.g. elementary, middle and/or other high schools within SF, the State, or beyond).

**Chapter 4 pp. 83-114 -** ** 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?** The fact that learning is changing is two-fold. First, the wealth of information on the Internet makes it possible for anyone with an interest or passion for learning something to pursue that. Never before has "life-long learning" been more AVAILABLE AND ESSENTIAL for everyone. Second, memorizing content no longer makes sense. Content memorized today will likely become dated in a few years. We live in a time where understanding how to critically access, understand, and apply information has become a more critical and valuable skill for living and working in the 21st century.  **2) We really need to use learning networks because** we expand our teachers and mentors in countless ways. The example of Mark Klassen in the textbook stands out as a great example of what one person can do, given a passion and connecting with a community of experts. Professionally, I am able to connect with other teachers, even though I am the only one teaching a specific course in my building (creative writing and yearbook). For my students, learning networks could open up possibilities for thinking and learning outside the box (the confines of the school building walls). Many of my students tend to think about education being dispensed to them by a teacher. (It is critical that students discover how they can and must take control of their own learning.) **3) 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.** Currently I have many opportunities to collaborate with teachers in my building (weekly collaboration) and other high schools (departmental meetings several times a year). I also have developed a technology wiki for teachers in my building who I mentored this past fall. Beyond that I have accounts on Twitter, Wikispaces, Edmodo, and Facebook, to name a few. Most of these network connections have provided me with a vehicle for staying in touch with important issues, teaching ideas, etc. (One that I found to be very helpful is the Next 26 Lessons, started by a journalism teacher, Manful. Teachers throughout the U.S. have submitted their best journalism lesson for newspaper and/or yearbook classes.) Professionally the Twitter account has been the most beneficial in connecting with people outside the SFSD. My linkable account and "favorites tab" include several blogs and RSS feeds from other professionals that I follow on a regular basis.