Microblogging!

Microblogging is an innovative way to connect students with meaningful collaboration in and outside the classroom. Working together with resources like Google Docs or Wiki's can give students, teachers, parents and communities the opportunity to come together to learn. Students can collaborate easily in and outside the classroom on unit projects, writing assignments, class presentations and so much more. Teachers can keep parents and students updated with assignments, goals and objectives for the year, expectations, parental support, meetings, and much more. Parents can discuss their involvement opportunities, stay informed, ask the teacher about certain concerns, etc.

Even the school community can become involved through local field trip notices, classroom donations, guest speakers and overall awareness of the classroom's objectives. If the community is involved, there is a greater investment put into the education of the students, at all grade levels. Microblogging can start in the classroom, but it definitely has the potential to grow. The key is informing, collaborating and being open to each individual's viewpoints and inputs. Learning truly happens when our mind learns to be open!

The Benefits of RSS!

Technology does not cease to amaze me! The opportunities for learning have seriously become endless. In this highly technological world, there are chances to learn, grow and develop constantly...in so many areas of our lives. As educators, there are endless resources at our very fingertips....yes...our fingertips! A proverb said that those who surround themselves with the wise, will also become wise. Well, I believe that this can be achieved through the technological world of blogging. As educators, we are constantly "borrowing" ideas from each other, and willingly give our suggestions, activities, plans, etc., in hopes that the students will gain knowledge. Aren't we shooting for a memorable learning experience?

One educational blog that seemed very helpful to me is High Techpectations. It is a blog dedicated to teachers. The teachers can go there to get support with lesson ideas, feedback, inspirations, and innovations for incorporating technology in the classroom with their students. For example, the site modeled the usage of slideshare. It highlighted the opportunity for teachers and students to work as a team through the creative writing and editing process...as a collaborative project. The site is informative and seems to have the genuine focus of teacher growth + student growth= success all around!