Welcome to My Neighborhood #etmooc

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Have you seen Ben Wilkoff’s Vlog “From Network to Neighborhood?” Take a spin in what he calls his “Personal Learning Neighborhood,” as he shares not just connections, but the learning created in his neighborhood.  Isn’t that a wonderful description of the connections and learning we develop online?

In my second vlog, I wandered through my “neighborhoods.” I wish I had thought of calling it that, but I didn’t. And I inferred my learning, but did not explain it.

So, I’d like to thank my neighborhood, and share them so you, too, may find these connections.

The People:

Denise Krebs : I learned about collaboration and taking risks from Denise. She modelled jumping into the online conversations and presenting to share how to do so. She is one of the founders of #geniushour, the idea that students need time to develop their passions, and one of our main tasks is to guide them there. Together (we’ve never met f2f), we planned through Twitter, Google+ Hangouts, and Google Docs a presentation during Connected Educator Month to encourage others to “Extend the Conversation.” Her blog shares her wisdom, passion, and love for  teaching middle school and in teaching and connecting through Personal Learning Networks.  She’s holding the camera above. You can’t help but be inspired from her.

Tracy Watanabe : Do you need information on project and problem based learning, Common Core State Standards, technology in the classroom? I am continuously thankful for the sharing of detailed information about these topics by Tracy (she’s at lower right in the image above). I adapt her ideas to my situation and am a better teacher because of it.

Theresa Allen :  To the left of Tracy is Theresa, a frequent tweeter and model online learner. Read about her work in her blog, Computer Classroom Connections, and visit the EVPD Educator Virtual Professional Development wiki to connect with the professional development that she and others provide for her school community. I learned about Socrative and Edmodo from her. She sets a positive, welcoming tone where-ever she is, and that attitude encourage me to join with Denise in our presentation. Her enthusiasm is infectious.

Kristine Full : On the lower left is Kristine. I had just met her during this hangout, and the best thing about connecting is that the “neighborhoods” blend into other areas. Enjoy Kris’s Pinterest for teachers and hobbies (yum! ); I’ve added cooking and photography tips from her. You never know! Thanks, Kris!

The Organizations

 ASCD Edge: A community of educators discussing today’s issues.

NCTE Connected: Keep up with Language Arts input in this community.

Classroom 2.0: Tens of thousands of technology learners to interact with and learn from through Saturday Blackboard sessions – Classroom 2.o Live. I probably attended every Saturday morning for two years to learn how to … VoiceThread, Edmodo, Skype, etc. (no show 1/26) EduCon 2.5).

English Companion Ning: Again, thousands of teachers forming groups and helping each other learn to be better LA teachers.

 What about your “neighborhood?” What learning can you share from yours?

5 Comments

on “Welcome to My Neighborhood #etmooc
5 Comments on “Welcome to My Neighborhood #etmooc
  1. Sheri,

    I really like Ben’s spin on a PLN as a “Personal Learning Neighborhood.”

    Thank you also for all you do to encourage me to learn more. Your thought provoking questions, sharing of new resources or new and innovative ways to use old resources really helps me learn, grow, and reflect. Thank you for being part of my neighborhood! I wouldn’t be where I am now without my PLN. =)

    Kind regards,
    Tracy

    • Thanks Tracy, and I hope our PLN grows a bit from this #etmooc. It’s been so energizing and inspiring to learn from each other. And for readers teaching CCSS, here’s Tracy’s post on Internet Search & Common Core. Thank you Tracy for sharing what is important in the classroom to your neighborhoods! So glad I can visit! Sheri

  2. Thanks for sharing your neighborhood! I’m exciting to think more about this idea of a neighborhood and find ways to bring others in for a visit while also pushing myself to visit new neighborhoods.

    • Hi Maggie. Yes, I think @bhwilkoff has described PLNs very well — neighborhoods we live in, visit, and grow up in. It’s wonderful concept. Key is making those connections that stick. I’m glad to be learning with you. I especially enjoyed your reflection on understanding your own PLN — on your blog. I too must “think more about how I can make sure to value that and make my network permeable enough to see, hear, and share their views too.” — those “weaker connections” that can offer just the spark to ignite something creative for us. Thanks helping us all grow up in new neighborhoods!.

  3. I love the way in which you have introduced the people in your neighborhood. I will be following and reading things from each of them now. Clearly, my neighborhood and yours border one another at the moment, and I might just have to move in soon!

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