Internet Academy

Here is the link for the K-12 Online Learning school that I used for my second essay. It is a program that caters to mostly students in Washington. While it does not offer any community aspects, it does seem to have a solid base of academic lessons and programs. I feel this would be a wonderful option for some high schoolers or at the early education level. However, due to the lack of social interaction, I'm not sure I would recommend this at the middle level where social development is so integral. Check it out!

Internet Academy

free technology for teachers

I stumbled across this website that reviews and shares free technology for teachers. I think it's a really good hub for sharing knowledge in a blog-like fashion. There are articles that relate to numerous technologies that can be used in all sorts of education aspects. Several pertain to learning communities, others to classroom implementation of technology, and even a few about the future of Web 2.0!

It's a great place to find other technologies that - like the name implies - are free for teachers to use. Also, there are very real, candid reviews of the technologies that provide both the good and bad sides of the reviewed technology. Very web 2.0!

Enjoy and feel free to share anything that strikes your fancy :)

Free technology for teachers

Online Learning Communities Flourish Best If Individual Learners Have Self-Governance

I found this article from Science News. The article is fairly concise and gives a brief overview of the basics of Online Learning Communities. One aspect that I found interesting is that the article is very forward in both the benefits and shortcomings of Online Learning Communities. Specifically, the article states that the individual needs "self-governance" in order to make a learning community experience worthwhile. Basically, the concept of "getting out what you put in" is completely applicable to Online Learning Communities. While at first fairly obvious, I think that this idea of "reaping what is sown" should be kept in the forefront of our mind's. As I'm sure we're all aware, it can be easy to view anything with a negative attitude. This negativity can manifest itself in our work and be a complete hindrance to learning and growth. So, as we move through our program, lets keep giving it our all and have a wonderful learning experience!

Online Learning Communities article.

Module 3 resource - Outcomes of professional learning communities for students and staff

Going with the theme of Learning Community outcomes, here is an article about formal study of approximately 11,000 students across some 820 secondary schools. I found it interesting not only for the results but also in the fact that it is presented in a formalized study. As with most sources on Learning Communities, the study posits how communities can foster deeper student learning, enable teachers to refine skills, and create an overall push towards large, school-wide goals.

One of the most interesting things to consider is how learning communities can positively affect all students - regardless of status, ability, or gender. Additionally, the article states how successful communities require support from administration, both in practice and in financial terms. The conclusion of the article succinctly states benefits or outcomes for both students or teachers. Enjoy!

Module 3 resource - Outcomes of professional learning communities for students and staff

Week 2 Resource

While perusing the internet, I found this article from "The Middle School Journal" and thought I'd share it with you. One of the interesting things that it points out is that the progress made through a learning community does not stem from one single act or moment. Rather, it is a long, gradual process - much like learning itself. As we all continue to reflect and scrutinize our own learning communities, I think it will help to remember that all that we accomplish may not be readily apparent, but any genuine effort to better our schools will have effects beyond our scope of view. I also found it interesting how the article specifically juxtaposed schools with actual learning communities as opposed to just "teams". As would be expected, those schools that were learning communities in all sense of the term saw the most growth and change as a result of their using the communities. Hope you enjoy the article!

Week 2 article

Welcome, Everyone

Hello All!!

This is not only my first posting for the EDT 6030 blog, but my first blog posting ever!!! I promise I will not use this as an "online diary" and you will not have to ever play Dr. Phil for me. I'm actually very excited at the potential of using blogs in the classroom and as a professional development tool. THINK OF THE POSSIBILITIES!!! All of the learning communities that play a role in our lives - through school or in our leisure - can be reached though blogs. Imagine posting a lesson reflection to be used as part of an evaluation by your Principal; or, work with your colleagues and exchange information and thoughts about new lesson designs or programs. I'm a big proponent for reflective practice and blogging completely facilitates this action.

GO TEAM!