So I spent a really remarkable day at Seton Hall on Saturday as the members of the Executive Ed. D. program presented the projects we’d asked them to do in terms of creating a learning community with technology. Some were better than others, of course, but what struck me most was how they were talking about Weblogs and technology. Seriously, six months ago only a few of them had every heard of a a blog, and this weekend they were talking about them in ways that showed they got it. They had connected authors and students, students from New Jersey and France, teachers from China and the US. Thier projects had all sorts of conversations going on, students, teachers, mentors, administrators, even parents.
It’s been interesting to watch their initial steps, toe-in-the water type process with some of them coming out the other side really understanding what Web publishing means. We talked about online audio archives of students and teachers. (I even had the idea to have retiring teachers give oral histories to be posted to our Website for future generations.) About teacher portfolios with video and widespread feedback. About new ways to connect and share information and people in global ways and how vitally important that is in these times. About the logistical issues of implementation and anonymity. And much more. It was seriously exhilarating.
It really is about thinking outside the box, now, dreaming and finding the potential. And it was so fun to be in a room full of people who were feeling that too. I really hope their enthusiasm and ideas continue, and I hope they decide to become bloggers in their own right so we can share in the experience.
Your post is encouraging to me. I guess you could say that I am in the position that the members of the Executive Ed. D. program were at the beginning of your course. I know nothing about blogging except that I am beginning to see it is used by more then simply those who are computer geeks or who have nothing better to do. I am also beginning to see that it has great potential for learing and discussing ideas and theories and emerging pedegogies/praxis with people of like minds, and even those of not so like minds! The fact that in seemingly a short time you could see such change in others who started where I am now is encouraging to me. I hope I too will discover what you and they have about blogging and its potential and place in our daily lives, classrooms, etc.
Mary K