Networked_Teacher


 * What do we mean by a Networked Teacher?**

??? Networked = to be connected + Teacher = one who provides instruction ??? It is much more than that. When we use the word **//Networked//** we are referring to using the Internet to connect to a wide range of people, ideas, information sources and tools that help you think and learn. A networked teacher is a teacher who leverages an internet based network for their own learning and that of their students. //** In other words a networked teacher is a very skilled networked learner. **//

This is just a basic definition upon which we will build throughout the course. Some of the concepts - relating to becoming a networked learner/teacher - into which we will delve include:
 * Knowledge acquisition vs. knowledge construction
 * The role of authoritative knowledge
 * Evaluating the credibility and value of internet resources
 * Personal learning networks and personal learning environments
 * Knowledge consumption, creation, remixing

//Alec Couros a professor at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan Canada, created this graphic (right) to help his education students to envision their learning network.//

To provide you with a personal perspective on what it means to be a networked learner/teacher Andrea, Jane and Rick offer their individual takes. And as networked learners/teachers who leverage a wide range of tools, they present their "vignettes" in different ways.
 * Three Vignettes - Each of us describes what becoming a networked learner/teacher means for each of us. Click the links.**

Andrea - 4 min "vlog" from her cell phone Jane - 1min 35 sec slideshow. Rick - a wiki page (will take 5 mins or less to read).

By the end of this course, we hope you will be convinced that there are many good reasons to become a Teacher who is a skilled Networked Learner. Take a look at this video (4 min 56 sec) and consider the changes that have occurred since you were in the grade you teach. Consider the context in which your students are growing up.
 * Why become a Networked Teacher?**

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After reading and viewing, click the EDIT button in top right corner of this window and contribute your ideas about the potential benefits of becoming a networked learner/teacher. Please initial your ideas.


 * Your ideas go here:**

To me being a networked teacher is essential! I need to keep up with all that is happening in the world. Becoming more comfortable with technology is one way to do this. Becky

To me a benefit of becoming a networked teacher is working smarter not harder! Why continue to reinvent the wheel instead of using what is out there and modifying it fit our own particular classes, students, situations. Being a networked teacher is about finding and having the resources to use. ~Alison

Being a networked teacher is about keeping up with the world and being a life time learner and teacher. Ping Gao

Technology has the ability to take our classrooms to new heights; the only problem is, we as educators, need to learn how to fly. I view becoming a networked teacher as earning my wings, which will enable me to expand my classroom beyond its four walls. - Elpi

I think that if I can get a working relationship with all these new programs, I'll be a more savvy 21st Century woman whether I can apply it to my practice or not. I'm reading and hearing so many new words or phrases that are computer terms that could be meaningless to a truly unplugged person. However, this wiki makes me nervous to sign my name for this post, as it can be edited by anyone! But here goes. - Arlene

Every adult who teaches children has a responsibility to be a continual learner herself. We need to keep somewhat knowledgeable about what is happening in our world (content) as well as knowledgeable about current ways of communicating (processes such as networking). I think being a Networked teacher will help meet both those goals. - Patrice

I just watched " Where good Ideas Come From " and it so clearly illustrated the synergy of colleagues gabbing and tossing around ideas, quips, or even absurd amusing thoughts. "Chance favors the connected mind." - Arlene

So here is a wiki. Wikipedia and Wikieducator (in the resource list) are wikis. Wikis are easy to use, collaborative on-line spaces on which a group of people can express, edit, and share their ideas - as you have just done!
 * Why a wiki?**