You know, the funny thing about writing or reading a blog is that it really isn't the same as writing or reading a book or magazine article. It's more like having a conversation with people you know, but haven't met in person yet. You're just not quite sure who will stop in to have that conversation, until you start it! And, of course, a conversation on the Internet can involve multiple people, with multiple viewpoints all at once!
I think for teachers especially, this can be such a wonderful tool!
Why? Well, teachers often share quite a bit with their colleagues within their schools. Unfortunately, these are the people who are probably dealing with some of the same struggles, working within the same framework and expectations and bogged down with the same challenges within the classroom! After years of working together, these people tend to recycle the same ideas over and over to each other, which makes innovation and change much more difficult!
In comparison, the Internet is continually changing. People are moving in and out of various groups and discussions. Unless you isolate yourself and only move within a small circle of ideas and discussions, it would be nearly impossible not to find at least some new viewpoints and ideas for the classroom!
And, because these people aren't always working within the same restrictions, the ideas may be something you never even considered! So, whether you are involved in many discussions and share many ideas, or follow only a few discussions, I think conversations on the Internet about teaching and education in general can have a very positive effect for many teachers.
And, while you may not be able to implement all of the ideas you want...you will certainly never be short of ideas!
I think for teachers especially, this can be such a wonderful tool!
Why? Well, teachers often share quite a bit with their colleagues within their schools. Unfortunately, these are the people who are probably dealing with some of the same struggles, working within the same framework and expectations and bogged down with the same challenges within the classroom! After years of working together, these people tend to recycle the same ideas over and over to each other, which makes innovation and change much more difficult!
In comparison, the Internet is continually changing. People are moving in and out of various groups and discussions. Unless you isolate yourself and only move within a small circle of ideas and discussions, it would be nearly impossible not to find at least some new viewpoints and ideas for the classroom!
And, because these people aren't always working within the same restrictions, the ideas may be something you never even considered! So, whether you are involved in many discussions and share many ideas, or follow only a few discussions, I think conversations on the Internet about teaching and education in general can have a very positive effect for many teachers.
And, while you may not be able to implement all of the ideas you want...you will certainly never be short of ideas!
I agree! I have learned so much since turning to the internet for resources and support. I don't know about you, but ECSE teachers tend to be isolated from the rest of the school and there are fewer colleagues to collaborate with. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteChristine
@Christine- YES- I do think ECSE teachers can be even mores isolated. Teaching early childhood in an elementary school that has simply "added on" a few early childhood classrooms can bring about its own challenges. Definitely something both sides should work on- bridging that gap- but in the meantime, the Internet can certainly offer a sense of community to belong to! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. I have "met" such wonderful people who have been just invaluable resources. I have even actually met a few in person.
ReplyDelete