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This is really to follow up with my last blog and the use of web 2.0 in the classroom but what about the teachers themselves? How are they using the web 2.0 to develop their skills and programs used in the classroom? In 2012 the
Primary Source Survey by Scholastic and the Gates Foundation found that teachers only spent 4% a day collaborating and 44% would like to see if increased. Amanda Roman in her article,
How to Connect with Other Teachers in the Social Age, takes a look at the different types of tools that educators can use to connect with one another. Amanda introduces us to five platforms that can be used to connect these educators. This includes Staffirm (mostly UK), Google+, podcasts, and Linkedin. She admits that educators have a lot on their plate and it makes it hard to juggle the different requirements and needs pulling at them every day but I think it is still like dating when married, some times you have to plan it in and just make it happen, even if its not the perfect time or tasks are knocking at your door. If you do not plan it in, it will never happen because there are already so many things that we try to do in a day that just cannot be done.
This also brings up the question of identity. You just have to do a quick search of the headlines and see the cases of educators being fired or discipline for something they said on a social platform or pictures they posted. So how do educators get around this issue when they are trying to connect in a social world, do they really have the freedom? I can see these restrictions placed on them restraining their ability to connect and freely speak. As our class had discussed in past discussions, should they post anonymous or under a pseudonym, so that there ability to speak freely is there or should they hold back the things they say?
Hi Ron,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a point that has been bouncing in my head during this class. Teachers would greatly benefit from social networks, but gosh, where's the time. As it is, teachers I know have most planning periods filled with meetings, work during lunch, and put in 5-10 extra hours per week to plan and grade papers, (many more).
I believe with all my heart that top-down reform is needed. Just like teachers meet once a week for Learning Team Meetings, grade team meeting to look at data, to identify best practices, and to support teach other, teachers should be supported in digital communities.
Teaching is a very tough job. High energy and fast paced. No one lesson will work for two classes, even with similar populations in a single school. Teachers need to be supported in supporting each other.
Not just, "find the time," but by administratively providing and dedicating the time.
I agree with you, we faced the same thing at my last unit. There will always be something that needs to be done and will always become more important. We set up once a professional development period for our people, started with once a month and increased it after we worked out some of the kinks. It was mandatory and no matter what department you worked for you were assigned to a professional development day based on your rating (specific job in the Coast Guard). Some said that you cannot force people to advance in their careers and you are right but the Coast Guard was not going to also let you just stay where you are and not move forward. So these times were set up to provide the opportunity for all to get professional development and network. What you did with it afterwards for promotion was up to each person.
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