Networked+Learning

toc

**AGENDA:**

 * [|Some Big Questions for Educators (and Parents and Policymakers)]
 * What do you know about social media?
 * What do you //**not**// know?
 * What do you want to get out of this session?
 * What is our follow up plan? (I'm very happy to meet with you and provide further help!)
 * Before you start using these tools with students....

WIKIS:[[image:wiki_Cover.GIF width="153" height="68" align="right"]]
Essentially, wikis are editable web pages. Instead of having one author who controls the page, wikis can have mulitple authors who can go in and edit information. The best known examples are Wikipedia and Wikileaks. There are several different wiki software pages. All have some similar key functions (edit, save, ability to upload files) but have different formatting, layouts, and options. Some popular wiki options are [|Wikispaces], [|PBWorks], and [|Google Sites.] ==[|NING]: == Ning is a social network sight that requires an account and an invite to join (similar to FaceBook). It has a unique combination of blog, wiki, e-mail, and other functionality. Some educational Ning pages have several thousand members who share information, lesson plans, projects, etc... A good example is the [|English Companion Ning] (need an account to sign in).

**BLOGS:**
A **blog** (a [|blend] of the term //**web log**//) is a type of [|website] or part of a [|website]. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. //Blog// can also be used as a verb, meaning //to maintain or add content to a blog//. Most blogs are interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments and even message each other via widgets on the blogs and it is this interactivity that distinguishes them from other static websites.

[|RSS]:
RSS-(formally "RDF Site Summary", known colloquially as "Really Simple Syndication") is a family of [|Web feed] formats used to publish frequently updated content such as [|blog] entries, news headlines or [|podcasts]. An RSS document, which is called a "feed", "web feed", or "channel", contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually. RSS content can be read using [|software] called an "RSS reader", "feed reader" or an "[|aggregator]".

[|GOOGLE READER:]
Google Reader is a web based aggregator. It will bring your RSS feeds to you. Features:
 * You can view your new feeds (blogs, podcasts, websites) on any computer with internet access.
 * You can link directly to the source site.
 * You can track your "trends".
 * You can search for topics within your feeds.
 * You can "star" a page of particular interest.
 * You can e-mail posts that you like.
 * You can share with your friends.
 * [|What should a networked educational leader twit about]?

[|TWITTER:]
Twitter is a "mini-blogging" site that limits you to 140 charachters per post.
 * You can create a network of people you "follow" and who follow you.
 * You can ask questions and get feedback from "the world"
 * You can share your interests quickly.
 * You can learn new things from a network of people you have selected.
 * Great for sharing articles, videos, pictures...

BEFORE YOU START USING THESE TOOLS WITH STUDENTS...

 * Play! Get adept at using tools, knowing what they can and can not do, their limits, etc... before you start to leverage them for classroom use.
 * Know the district's [|Internet Policies and Safeguards] . For example, tools need have ability to track student comments, and be able to be turned off. Protect Youself!
 * Consider your audience. Who will find you? Can you control what they see? What are you putting "out there"? Will someone get upste? Protect Yourself![[file:AUPEmployee.pdf]]