Classrooms all over the world benefit from CSPAN broadcast of the Inaugural address



C-SPAN is a private, non-profit public service of the cable television industry. The use of webcasting and posting the video production to YouTube has created a global classroom for everyone. Their efforts allowed me to embed this historical event in my own blog.

The networked student - what parents & administrators should know



Being a networked educator on the fringe of classroom, I share the frustration held by many teachers and students. Talking about technology, talking about the way of the future, talking about preparing our students for the 21st Century only to see the conversations go no where.

When I talk about podcasting and blogging I see the excitement in the eyes of students, I watch teachers sit up ready to learn, ready to forge ahead only to see momentum stall, stop completely because administrators say not now.

The classroom of the 21st Century supported or not is forming and forming at the speed of light. We absolutely must embrace web 2.0 tools, learn how to maximize their potential and run with them.

The personal learning network that I maintain via Twitter continues to provide me with access to numerous resources. I am a student - a life long learner - a baby boomer - who lives in the 21st Century classroom - ask - “what’s wrong with this picture?

Common Craft produces excellent easy to understand videos about web 2.0 tools. I came across this video about the Networked Student because Heidi Gable and Cindy Seibel shared it with me on Twitter.

For all those parents and teachers and Directors of Education sitting on the edge, I ask and challenge - what are we doing to prepare our students for this evolving classroom.

Hands on - classroom blogging for parents and teachers



There are numerous teachers over at classroom2.0 discussing the best platform to use to create a classroom blogging network. A social network that allows students to collaborate with each other and share their information. It is becoming apparent to me that the ning platform similar to the one used at classroom2.0 is a valid application to meet the needs of teachers and parents. Safe - secure - with multiple options.

The biggest issue for me is the barriers that teacher and parents face in using Web 2.0 tools. Computer skills lacking, rationale not understood and not enough time. It has to be easy! One parent suggested a play book of how to roll out a collaborative online classroom when people have limited experience and skills in using web 2.0 tools. Parents and teachers can then easily understand how to use this medium to connect with each other and support student learning.

I see the need to create a demonstration for three different things.

1. How to set up the online classroom using a ning
2. How to interact using a ning
3. How it works to support student learning.

I feel very strongly that this process should be authentic and hands on. When parents and teachers can experience the process the safety issues can be addressed and the benefits will be clear. Parents and teachers have learned how to use email and upload pictures to the Internet. With careful planning I believe a “walk through the process” approach will promote the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom. For the moment am going to collect some resources to use.

1. I like this video and how it describes where to start setting up a ning network.

2. How to interact ( example TBD)
3. Demo site. Secure. Request to join moderated. (TBD)

If you have any guidance or suggestions, please let me know what you think works best.