Promoting Class Discussions

Question: What questions will technology advocates have to answer for most teachers before they begin to use the tools of Web 2.0 including social networks sites, more frequently?

Answer:

1. What's in it for me if I use the tools of Web 2.0?

2. What's in it for my students if we use the tools of Web 2.0?

3. Are the costs of learning how to use the tools of Web 2.0 and becoming comfortable enough with them so that I can introduce them in my classes worth the benefit?

Obviously as technology advocates we recognize that the answers to the first two questions are MANY!!!!! The answer to the third question is DEFINITELY. We have to demonstrate just how easy it is to learn to use the tools of Web 2.0 and just how many benefits can potentially come from using these tools.

The best way to show teachers the benefits of using Web 2.0 is by encouraging them to use it.

Therefore, I'm starting a new social community website on a topic that I think many teachers will find important. The site is located at: http://classdiscussions.ning.com/

This site is all about class discussions.

What are the best topics for class discussions?

How do you overcome inhibitions about holding class discussions?

What are the best way to engage students in class discussions?

What are the most insightful statements that students make in class discussions?

What are the most insightful thoughts that you have during class discussions?

Great questions for class discussions don't have to be limited to discussion. Instead questions can become wonderful essay and research topics.

So, how do I view the relationship between classroom20.ning.com and classdiscussions.ning.com?

Perhaps classroom20.ning can be compared to the center of a complex of social networks. Classdiscussions.ning is simply one extension of that center. I don' t expect and don't want everybody who is a member here to join classdiscussions.ning. Promoting high quality class discussions is not a central interest of many of the participants in this room. I DO HOPE THAT EVERYBODY WHO READS THIS TELLS SOMEBODY ELSE ABOUT IT SO THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PROMOTING THE HIGHEST QUALITY CLASS DISCUSSIONS JOIN THE NETWORK AND MAKE IT GREAT.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.