Lifelong Learning 2.0

EduBloggerCon was exactly what I hoped it would be.  Innovative, flexible, and interactive.  Meaningful conversations.  Organized just enough, yet adaptable and unwritten to allow for spontaneous sessions.

After the Web 2.0 Smackdown, I spent some time in the session led by Mark Wagner. I loved the concept for the session, “Wish a particular tool existed? Learn how to get it made! We’ll design a tool together.” The plan was to brainstorm ideas for a tool that we all wished would have existed and vote on a favorite. Funds would be collected, and Mark would then hire someone from rentacoder.com to create the tool.  The interesting part of the session was having someone suggest an idea for the perfect tool only to have someone else give the name and url for the tool that already existed.  In the process, I picked up a list of really cool tools.

JuicyStudio – Readability test

Teachers Connecting – Collaboration/Connections for Projects

OnlineProjects4Teachers – Collaboration/Connections for Projects (Jen Wagner)

Global Education Collaborative – Collaboration/Connections for Projects (Lucy Gray)

Scholarpress.net – WordPress + Education

Socrata – Social Data Network

Voice Candy – Professional Voice-over/file of teacher comments linked to rubric

Vocaroo.com – free audio recording for embedding or link

Drop.io – keep hearing about how people love this, but haven’t looked into it yet

Great list of (already existing) resources!

The final consensus was to create a rubric builder tool that would be filled out electronically and connect you to a Google Form or Spreadsheet.  If I’m understanding it correctly, this would allow teachers to share rubrics.  I sent my name to be on a list to contribute to the project.

Even if the rubric tool doesn’t get created, I picked up a handy list of resources to check out.  The opportunity to sit in a brainstorming session with so many great minds was inspiring.  I love the collaboration model.  Just think of what we can accomplish when we put our minds together!

If you’ve used any of these tools and recommend them, post a comment.  If you love drop.io, explain it to me.

Photo Attribution: kjarrett

I am a lifelong learner.

I must continue to improve my skills to stay current with educational trends, so I can offer the best to my students. I have an important role in taking control of my own professional development. One way to do this is attend dynamic conferences and webinars.  As I find out about them, I’ll add them here.  Some are face-to-face, but most are set up for virtual attendance. I have been learning so much from the conferences and online webinars that I’ve attended this past school year.

As I’ve said in a previous post, there is such value at seeing ourselves as lifelong learners first, teachers second. Social communities and networking can play a huge role in our professional development. I can’t wait to be spoon-fed through power points and handouts. I need to continue to question and push myself. I try to step out of my comfort zone and take risks.  It is here that I’ll grow. I need to make my learning experience relevant and set out to create my own plan.

Let’s Collaborate!

I have added a page to my blog called Conference Calendar.  If you see an event you’re interested in, add it to your calendar. If you find one I should know about, send it my way and I’ll add it here.

NECC Unplugged

Want to attend NECC this year, but can’t make it?  You need to participate in NECC Unplugged!  There will be 3 days of presenting virtually, using Elluminate.  You can present at NECC Unplugged!  Anyone can sign up!  Check out all of the details on this wiki.

Enjoy!