Where To, Classroom 2.0?
When Classroom 2.0 started, there was a big question about whether social networking would even be an appropriate tool for an educational network. I believe that was quickly answered, and for many of us, CR 2.0 became a place of some amazing and engaging dialog.
The original purpose of the site was to provide an easy, user-friendly entry-point into using Web 2.0 for those who didn't have much (or any) experience with the collaborative web. I still think the site does that, but now that it's grown to almost 3400 members, I get the feeling that some of the sense of being a "community" that originally developed is harder to experience. And maybe that's OK, as lots of you have taken Ning and built your own communities that are more specific to your particular needs.
But I'd also like to tap into some of the "old guard" and find out if there are things you think I could be doing to improve/grow/facilitate what takes place here. When you take the time to participate, you make a huge difference and are appreciated.
(I also have to say that I really think it's time for some kind of a Classroom 2.0 get-together, virtual or physical. I'll be announcing EduBloggerCon 2008 soon, to take place in association with NECC, and this year we're also going to have EduBlogerCon West in March as part of the CUE.org show in Palm Springs. I'm hoping a lot of our CR 2.0 friends will come. But I keep wondering if there is enough critical mass to do a Web 2.0 in Education conference by itself... It wouldn't have to be huge, but I think it would be an amazing event.)
So, old and new guard, where do we go from here?
The original purpose of the site was to provide an easy, user-friendly entry-point into using Web 2.0 for those who didn't have much (or any) experience with the collaborative web. I still think the site does that, but now that it's grown to almost 3400 members, I get the feeling that some of the sense of being a "community" that originally developed is harder to experience. And maybe that's OK, as lots of you have taken Ning and built your own communities that are more specific to your particular needs.
But I'd also like to tap into some of the "old guard" and find out if there are things you think I could be doing to improve/grow/facilitate what takes place here. When you take the time to participate, you make a huge difference and are appreciated.
(I also have to say that I really think it's time for some kind of a Classroom 2.0 get-together, virtual or physical. I'll be announcing EduBloggerCon 2008 soon, to take place in association with NECC, and this year we're also going to have EduBlogerCon West in March as part of the CUE.org show in Palm Springs. I'm hoping a lot of our CR 2.0 friends will come. But I keep wondering if there is enough critical mass to do a Web 2.0 in Education conference by itself... It wouldn't have to be huge, but I think it would be an amazing event.)
So, old and new guard, where do we go from here?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by ddeubel on
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Steve,
I applaud your comments about "inclusiveness" and that exactly in my mind, is our job. To ensure that technology remains a "choice".
Too often in education, knowledge gets "empowered" and "commoditized". Damn, even the local libraries are under attack and its hard to get a book you want without paying an annual $200 bucks to the local university! I don't want what happened to books / music, to happen to the net and access to all this vital information. This is the big issue and why I think (along with all the other great things) Classroom 2.0 is so important.
It provides a place for educators to help set the future agenda. Freely, openly and with a voice. I'm not getting all political here but I think many people with foresight can see the dangers at hand by conglomerates that have old business models of "ownership".
If you are ever going to hold an online conference, I'll help in whatever way I can. I think that the more educators "plugged in" , the better.
David
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Permalink Reply by Connie Weber on
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It provides a place for educators to help set the future agenda.
now that is profound, David!
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Permalink Reply by Ian Carmichael on
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Seems a good idea, as long as the links are clear. Ning in education, for example is quite nifty - a little more specialised that CR 2 but easily travelled to (not as easy on the return journey!) Does one then create a super ning as a portal to these? (or does this undemocratise the system) Certainly I would prefer as few walls as possible, since I can't really be bothered any more by difficult navigation. If it's hard, I'll cut it!
(Oh, this belongs to Steve's comment above. -I thought I had the hang of the 'Reply to this' feature, but either its changed, or I'm losing it!)
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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on
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I agree, Ian. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If there are people that think it's broke they can start a sub-ning elsewhere. There is no way we can compile (and pile) everybody and their stuff in one place. One of the reasons I like this format is that people seem focused on learning something new rather than tooting their own horns (like some blogs). In a way, it seems like the people here are interested in learning about stuff that'll benefit their kids or staff rather than prostelitizing to all of humankind.
I just started wearing a Complaint Free World bracelet http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/ I've had to switch to a different wrist after all this whining. Finished, N.
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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Davis on
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Love the bracelets! I just ordered 10!
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I got 100 and gave them to all my students. Offered the extras to staff and you won't be surprised to find out that the people who took me up on the offer are those who rarely complain!!
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Well, I'm not sure that I like the colour, and sometimes they can be a bit tight, and...
(No, just kidding!)
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Switch wrists!! Since I teach gifted kids, we allow sarcasm, unless it is painful. hehe
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Permalink Reply by Hans Feldmeier on
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Hi all, yes I´m one of your "old guard" and I think - Classroom 2.0 is a good space to share experience!
Thanks to Steve for setting up this community!
But there are some details to be improved in Ning like e.g.:
- Groups must get more possibilites for interaction
- Podcasting and Videocasting for all members
Let´s wait and see!
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Permalink Reply by Konrad Glogowski on
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Hello all,
Thanks, Steve, for starting this thread - these are important questions to consider.
I think the idea of a virtual get-together is an excellent one! I think an interactive podcast (I've used TalkShoe in the past and it works beautifully in supporting a kind of phone-in show) would be a good extension of what's happening here and a great opportunity to meet once a month, for example, to reflect on what's been happening in the community.
Imagine this:
A podcast with different "correspondents" - Classroom 2.0 members who participate in the podcast to give us an update on some of the discussions that took place last month in certain forums/interest groups. They could provide brief updates on topics discussed in those places or perhaps highlight the most lively/engaging discussions. Each "correspondent" would, of course, report on only some groups/discussions - most likely the ones that they themselves are most interested in and where they participate most often.
I think that if we were to start producing a podcast (I'd be very interested in helping out), we would need to steer clear of the format where every episode features an edublogosphere "celebrity." It's been done before. It's still being done and, frankly, it rarely lives up to its billing. I would be interested in discussing conversations - checking the pulse of the community, as it were, by "listening in" on some interactions happening here. Of course, there's nothing wrong with commentary, but I think it should be primarily a show where we give our extensive and still growing community a voice.
Steve also mentioned the idea of virtual get-togethers. My suggestion would be Second Life. I have recently set up my own place inworld that I will be using to do PD sessions with pre- and in-service educators. I would love to make it available as a place for regular virtual Classroom 2.0 meetings. I think it would be a great opportunity to have synchronous discussions, meetings, workshops, or just informal chats. It would also give all the members an opportunity to experience and get to know yet another 2.0 environment.
I also like the idea of a Classroom 2.0 conference or event. I think we're big enough for it now, but I also think that it would be good to start with something smaller first - a podcast or other regular synchronous meet-ups and then see where that takes us.
What do you think?
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Permalink Reply by Sharon Betts on
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I believe I just got an update that TalkShoe and MeeboRooms have combined to make a nice "virtual meeting" place. And there is always Elluminate.
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Permalink Reply by Steve Hargadon on
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These are GREAT ideas. I'm just trying to mull everything over in my mind! Thinking... Thinking...
Talkshoe looks amazing. Wow. I really want to try it. And I love this: "primarily a show where we give our extensive and still growing community a voice." I completely agree.
I like the idea of a weekly chat, best new ideas, etc.that is live, and then the recording is available. Any ideas on when would be a good time to do that?
My only concern about SL is that there is a hurdle to getting into it--technological and educational...
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