Communities that I will join include NJASL (NJ Association of school Librarians), LM_NET, Thinkfinity groups: Online Tools for Educators, Using Multimedia for Communication and Education and Partnership for 21st Century Skills. I chose NJASL because this group is only for NJ Media Specialists and there will be examples of using podcasts and various technology specifically in the Media Center. I can also pose questions on the listserv and get immediate feedback regarding my topics. LM_NET is also a group of my peers, but it is worldwide, so it helps set the foundation for preparing my students for a global economy.
There were so many Thinkfinity groups to choose from, that I had a hard time making my decision. I picked 3 groups, because I felt they all would be helpful in showing me how to master the necessary skills.Online Tools for Educators, Using Multimedia for Communication and Education and Partnership for 21st Century Skills discusses specifically how to utilize tools in the classroom setting. Although I'm excited to learn how to use these tools, I don't know how I want to utilize them or even the best way to utilize them. As discussed in Learning Environments: 21st Century Skills by Partnership for 21st Century Skills "21st century students must be supported in mastering both content and skills" (p. 2). With a mix of groups that cover my content area as well as the technology and various levels of education, I am covering all my bases. If I have any questions, one of these groups should be able to steer me in the right direction.
The 21st Century Skills Education and Competitiveness: A Resource and Policy Guide, students need to communicate and collaborate (p. 12). In order for me to help them get to this point, I need to be able to see what exactly they need to be able to do. Listservs, professional groups are a great place to exchange ideas and learn about new technologies. In Skill and Strategies for E-learning a Participatory Culture, Walker et. al. state that building academic community: peer support and peer groups is very important to the learning process (p. 222). The same is true for me. I need to be exposed to different uses of this technology in a classroom setting in order to best figure out how to utilize it in my Media Center.
Jennifer, I think that all of these groups are useful in different ways, and it is smart that you chose groups that are well rounded. Each one serves a different, but specific purpose that will help you with your project, and career. I especially like the last group that you chose, and your reasoning for joining. Although I am not in a Media Center, like you, I really need to see technology in use before I can successfully incorporate it into my teaching. The best way to do this is to develop relationships in communities so that we can ask questions and get ideas about how to use technology. Similarly, students need to create these types of communities for themselves, so that they can learn collaboratively. It is my goal to bring types of technology into the classroom that will foster group collaboration so that students can ask questions, share their own ideas, and learn from each other.
ReplyDeleteKristina- I had a similar problem at first. If you type the type of group you are looking for into the search bar, you will be presented with a list of resources. At the top of the page look for the word "places," and that will bring you to a list of communities on your topic. Hope that helps :)
Jennifer, I think it is a great idea for you to join the NJASL community. I am not familiar with the professional organizations of teachers, but I know that the best physical therapists are those who are members in and involved with our professional associations. Through my contacts that I have developed in my professional organizations, I have not only gained many different perspectives on assessment and treatment of patients but have also been exposed to ideas that I would not have otherwise. I have also made some good friends who share common work and social interests.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteYour reasoning for joining the professional communities you've listed above is sound. I believe you'll get a lot out of the NJASL group in particular. I was glad to see that you specifically articulated the importance of having educators within this group respond to comments and discussions fairly quickly -- active communities are terrific!
I'm always weary of the Thinkfinity community groups simply because of the fact that they are often stagnant. If teachers and other educational professionals registered for these groups aren't actively participating, then being a member of those communities will do little to assist you with the design and development of your MMP.
I look forward to seeing how these communities assist you with your MMP topic, since it's unclear to me at this time where you see your project heading...
Nicely done!
prof h