Classroom 2.0 EduBlog Links

Andrew Garcia posted a list of links to blogs shared by members of Classroom 2.0. (If you haven't heard, Classroom 2.0 is a social network for educators who are using collaborative technologies.)

The edu-bloggers on the list include teachers of most subjects and grade levels, as well as instructional technologist. Keep your eyes open for the next version of the list, in the form of a directory.

Cool Cat Teacher's Blog

As I mentioned on an earlier post, there is a discussion in a Classroom 2.0 forum where everyone is encouraged to share links to their blogs or links to blogs that they'd recommend to others who are interested in topics related to education, technology --- really, the future of our children and youth.

I learned that a top "edublogger" is Vickie Davis, otherwise known as the Cool Cat Teacher:

"Teaching content with new tools, enthusiasm, and the belief that teaching is a noble calling!"

Unlike my blogs, which serve mainly as storage places for my ideas and resources, Vickie brings up topics related to education that provide others with an opportunity to examine important issues at a deeper level. Schedule some time to visit her blog!

Edublogging, Classroom 2.0, support and resources for educators...

I'm a member of Classroom 2.0, "the social network for educators using collaborative technologies". As of this morning, there are 5,244 members. Classroom 2.0 has smaller groups that members can join. It also provides a variety of resources, such as the Classroom 2.0 Wiki that is divided into topics. Members of Classroom 2.0 are encouraged to contribute to the Wiki by posting video clips, lesson plans, resources, and links.

A common thread among the members of Classroom 2.0 is the fact that they all understand that good teaching and effective technology integration are important components of the "engaged learning" mix.

From what I've seen so far, Classroom 2.0 can play a very important role in supporting teachers that are just beginning to broaden their technology integration skills. It also is a good support network for people who are new to teaching. New teachers have easy access to a range of experienced educators who are willing to share their wisdom and teaching-learning strategies.

For those of you working in the schools who might not work directly in a classroom, Classroom 2.0 is worth joining. I'm sure that administrators, curriculum specialists, school counselors, school psychologists, special education coordinators, media specialists, school board members will find that Classroom 2.0 is a great resource.

I recently started a discussion topic on Classroom 2.0. to encourage members to share links to their blogs. I was amazed at the response and plan to spend some time taking it all in.

I'll share some of the highlights and specific examples of interesting uses of technology by Classroom 2.0 members in some of my future TechPsych posts. I will also post some information on my Interactive Multimedia Technology blog.

Today, I'm highlighting a a post from Kevin, a sixth grade teacher who recently spent two weeks with his students, immersed in a variety of technologies. His post includes links to all of his resources, a plus for busy blog-readers!

Wow! Two Weeks of Tech with Students!

Of the many things covered in the post, I especially liked the story about the creation of a PeaceBuilders Pledge website. The students used the MakeBeliefs Comics site to create comics that highlighted the concepts in the PeaceBuilders Pledge. (If you are a school counselor or school psychologist working on school-wide positive behavior supports, this is something to consider for your school.)

Peacebuilders "is the research-validated violence prevention youth program approved for the federally funded Safe and Drug-Free Schools Act. It is a comprehensive programs launched in organizations that shifts the entire climate to a peaceful, productive, and safe place for children, teenagers, parents, staff, and faculty."

I have so much more to share, so check back soon, or subscribe to my blog!

Classroom 2.0 - Social Networking and Resources for Educators

Classroom 2.0 is a good resource for educators who would like to keep up with the fast pace of technology. If you work with digital natives, you know how difficult it can be to keep one step ahead of the game! Classroom 2.0 provides forums, Wikkis, and resources on a variety of topics and the content is maintained by members of the network, which at the last count was at 3998.

From the Classroom 2.0 website

"The social network for educators using collaborative technologies!"

"Welcome to Classroom20.com, the social networking site for those interested in Web 2.0 and collaborative technologies in education. We especially hope that those who are "beginners" will find this a supportive community and a comfortable place to start being part of the digital dialog. Feel free to explore!"