Learning Communities

This week I joined three professional learning networks:

EdChat - Twitter chat held every Tuesday at 12-1 and 7-8 pm ET.  Educators all over the world discuss educational related topics.

Classroom 2.0 - Webinars held every Saturday to discuss Web 2.0 tools and media in education.

edWeb.net-   Online social network that allows you to form your own professional learning communities and game-based learning forum with game developers to participate in dialogue on best practices.

 Although I have not participated in any on-line learning communities, I am looking forward to consuming and contributing to the three I joined.  In the beginning, I think I will initially be a consumer until I develop a sense of comfort in what I am doing.  Afterwards, I can definitely see my slowly moving into contributor mode as I develop my comfort with the online dialogue.

This type of networking tool can be critical to advancement of knowledge in education.  For instance, it provides the opportunity to learn from and share best practices with educators from all over the world.  Additionally, you have the opportunity to brainstorm and connect with others, while networking and establishing a sense of community.

teachthought.com- Website that is for growing teachers.  Website provides strategies and informational tips on how to grow teachers, as well as podcasts and professional development strategies.  I also have been following @TeachThought on Twitter the last few weeks and I have been acquired great tools and useful information for my teachers.