As the Internet has evolved over the years, it has helped my learning and understanding in a huge way. I can't imagine not having the ability to refer to online resources when I need support, information, or feedback. I use the Internet to collaborate with my colleagues, learn new concepts and skills, and find out best practices through reading articles and watching videos. When I want to learn something new, I am quite driven and goal oriented. When I set my mind to something, I often don't stop until I have completed my task or figured out a way to solve a problem.
One way I have participated in professional learning with colleagues is through Schoology Groups and Courses. With my grade level partners, I set up a Schoology group with my fellow math colleagues as a place for communication, sharing of ideas, and storing of new resources to meet the new Common Core math standards. Here is an example of our communication:
My district has also created a Schoology course as a place for teachers from across the district to learn and discuss collaboratively as we explore the needs of the Common Core State Standards. Teachers from within the district have developed the modules on learning about the Common Core and also Assessment of the Common Core standards. It has been helpful to view information, videos, and sample tasks/questions/assessments. Even more helpful has been the opportunity to read the comments, ideas, and experiences of colleagues in the discussion postings. Below is an example of one of the questions and the flow of responses in the discussion forum.
Whenever I have a question about something, the first place I often turn is the Internet via my computer, tablet, or phone. For example, last week I needed to clean my pool filter and had no idea how to take apart the system. Where did I turn? Youtube, of course. I searched and found a video someone had posted showing how to release the internal pressure in the system, remove the screws, and take apart the manifold. Watching a tutorial gave me information and confidence.
However, the Internet can distract from my learning in a couple of ways. The first is social networking like Facebook. It is easy to get caught up in viewing pictures and seeing what "friends" are up to. Shopping is also a distraction. I love a good bargain and often enjoy exploring the Internet using sites like Dealnews (www.dealnews.com) to find new things I apparently can't do without.
I think the way I use the Internet is similar to how my students, who have grown up using technology, use it. Whenever I don't know the answer to a question in class, the first thing my students say is, "look it up online!" It is natural for them to use mobile devices instead of computers and their smartphones are almost like another appendage. One big difference between the way I use Internet and my middle school students is with searching techniques. My students tend to blindly click on links without first looking at the composition of the address or details about the site. In addition, they don't spend time analyzing a website for credibility and validity. Learning effective searching strategies and how to analyze websites for validity are two areas I hope to support my students in their personal learning spaces. Another area I hope to spend time is teaching my students how to be good digital citizens, understanding the importance of fair use, treating others kindly, and knowing when it is appropriate and not appropriate to share information online.
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