Sunday, August 05, 2007

Networking

The new semester is quickly approaching and I'm trying to finish revising the syllabi for my fall 07 courses. I do so much reading and experimenting with new tools that I learn about through online networking that it is hard to decide what to include and what to leave out.

I always assume that the students in my classes will learn about principles of teaching and learning in other courses. So what I try to do in my courses is offer them the opportunity to become familiar with free-online tools that they can utilize to apply these principles and to make their professional lives more fruitful.

I am always hopeful that the students will end up learning how useful it is in today's digital world to become part of a digital community of practice. Such a network can be a great source of inspiration and a good place to offer and receive feedback on ideas. My present network can be seen in this Gliffy visualization.

This summer has been soooo busy that I haven't had as much time as usual to work on revisions, but next week I plan to finish up. This summer has included learning how to take care of a 14-year-old cocker spaniel who suffers from separation anxiety; marketing/selling my condo; putting almost everything I own in storage; moving in with my son and daughter-in-law, putting their town house on the market and planning and building a new home together. Whew!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the mention and for using Gliffy to illustrate your point. We are very appreciative. If you have any suggestion and/or feedback please drop us a line at our newly revamped website (support link)! Thanks,
debik at gliffy dot com