Day+1+Discussion

//What follows are discussion topics and thoughts from the Exploring OPLN class from July 2008.//

Do students have a part to play in your online PLN?
//If so, what? If not, why not?//


 * Agree w/"Arthus Erea" - "only students can determine teacher success"
 * Student reflection relevant to our critical thinking & own reflection
 * Positive feedback is reinforcing for us
 * Negative feedback must be presented constructively
 * We are the trained professionals, not them - how much time do we devote to defending every move to 14-yr-olds?
 * We should educate kids on our educational objectives & give them the language with which to be contructive
 * Importance for kids to know we're listening & we care
 * Empower students by giving them a role in decision making process, BUT sometimes we just know what's best (e.g., "no cotton candy for dinner")
 * Students are my impetus to keep abreast of new technology

Responses to Bretag blog post (linked on Introduction page)

 * re: daily PD - you can only do so much
 * nonstop PD - run risk of losing human element & becoming "robot" teacher constantly running new programs
 * Having a rich life outside of school seeps into the classroom & enriches it, BUT public reflection is probably a good thing
 * PD takes time & effort - important to try to use it effectively, BUT there are times I just prefer whiteboard & pen to new gadgets/tech

Potential uses of wikis for PD/classroom application?

 * Discussion tab on Wikipedia provided access to direct quotes from Dr. __ (?), who I teach about in class
 * Teacher tech conference reactions are interesting - extension learning, asking for help, networking, all for benefit of students
 * Still on the fence about Wikipedia for classroom use, but coming around to see it as more useful than harmful