A Better PLaN

So far, I've got to say that I'm impressed (and pleasantly surprised) with how my PLN has/is taking shape. I really was uncertain about how useful all this blogging, wikiing, and googling (I'm still not convinced that Twitter is really worth the time and effort) might be to me, either personally or professionally. At first, my attitude was "I'll try to keep an open mind about this blogging business, but I expect the more useful and powerful stuff will come along later". Now,... I'm glad I kept an open mind about it. Reading others' blogs has given me

Up until now, like so many others, my personal learning network has consisted mostly of my fellow teachers, my family, and some close friends. Although well intentioned, I sometimes feel that I already know what they are going to say, or how the conversation is going to go (I'm talking mostly about our conversations revolving around teaching here). They might even say the same thing about me and what I say, my opinions, etc.. And that's o.k.. I very much value their opinions, and wisdom, and professionalism, and ideas. But, I think it can be a bit limiting. What about fresh ideas? What about those things that I never saw coming that challenge me? If I do not seek them out, will they just find me? If I'm really devoted to my craft (education), shouldn't I at the very least be aware of these ideas and provoking thoughts about the direction of education? At least be open minded about it?

The answer is YES! And I've found that using/expanding my PLN is a great way to do that! Not just to find some nifty web gadgets, but to engage in some real professional dialogue about matters that are in need of some serious profession dialogue. For instance, there has been some terrific discussion about the appropriate use of technology in the classroom (graphing calculators, to be specific) and how to use it without it hindering our students' reasoning and thinking abilities (I sure hope that discussion continues!). If I am really to best understand this creature we call "student", I should be aware of how it has evolved since I started teaching, so I can better relate to it and its world. I would consider myself remiss if I didn't look into utilizing the blogs, and wikis, and such in my classroom.

Again, this exposure to new ideas and perspective and potential all happened (and happened quite easily, I might add) because of how the web has influenced my PLN. Oh ya,... and now I can stay up to date on science news, blog posts, emails, wikis, and who knows what else I haven't discovered yet, super easy and fast. More AND better! That McRocks (and is one of the hallmarks of good technology)!

"Dewey’s vision of education - I believe that education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living."

Good quote! Thanks for that, Eric!