Thing 22: Ning
Classroom 2.0 presented a variety of interesting ideas on how to implement 2.0 tools in the classroom. I was very intrigued by a few teachers who were discussing the idea of using cell phones in their classrooms. Although the logistics were not completed yet, I thought about how much we struggle on a day to day (period to period) basis trying to get our students to stop using their cell phones in the classroom (texting is an epidemic). Can they be used as a learning tool?
I appreciated the idea of having a social networking page such as this for all areas of teaching, not just 2.0 tools. For example, as an English teacher I spend hours doing searches on writing, literature, and vocabulary ideas. It would be nice to find a social networking page that has teachers present their ideas (again, not just 2.0 ideas).
Ning in Education seemed to be a bit disappointing for me. I guess I wanted more from the website (longer posts, topics that apply to my subject, creative discussions on pedagogy, etc). I did come across a post by an English teacher who wanted to know how to get his students to better appreciate literature. I thought the response to the post was insightful and interesting. I would have joined the discussion but it took place in February and wasn’t sure if people would see it and/or respond to it.
Maybe I just need to investigate the site some more to fully realize its potential.
