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"The Managing Complex Change model puts language to that which makes some schools successful while others struggle. The model looks at five components necessary to create a desired environment. These include vision, skills, incentives, resources, action plan. If any one piece is missing the model indicates results schools will experience including change, confusion, anxiety, gradual change, frustration, and a false start. When thinking of successful schools such as Science Leadership Academy, The MET, The Island School, The iSchool, you will find they have all those components in place. On the other hand, when I hear teachers lamenting about their school failures, the model brings clarity to the fact that one or more of these components are missing. Below is the chart that lays this out. Following the chart, I'll take a look at what each missing component might look like in a school environment. As you read, consider which, if any are components, are missing at your school. save image Lack of Vision = Confusion When I hear exasperated teachers spinning their wheels, working so hard to get ready for all the various mandates and requirements, but never feeling a sense of accomplishment, it is clear there is not a tangible school vision that has been communicated. In some cases this is because what is being imposed does or can not reconcile with what the school wanted for their vision. Skill Deficit = Anxiety My heart goes out to those with a skill deficit. They are required to implement a curriculum they are not trained in using or being evaluated via measures with which they are not familiar. Or…they are put into a position they were not trained for or prepared to embrace. Social media provides a great medium for helping these teachers get up to speed, but when the outreach occurs, the anxiety is abundantly clear. Lack of Incentives = Gradual Change It is not unusual for innovative educators to feel like and be perceived as misfits. Islands onto their own

Blogging & Social Networking Glossary

Here is good news for Facebook lovers. If you are a Mozilla Firefox user and spend most of your time on Facebook then the latest Firefox version is coming with a new feature called "Social API" which is helpful in accessing social networks like Facebook, Twitter, etc. As per this new feature, you can add social network buttons and sidebars in Firefox window so as to chat with your friends, checking messages, notifications, etc. get quick and easy.

A listing of social networks used in educational environments or for educational purposes. Please add to this list (alphabetical by category and within categories).

A listing of social networks used in educational environments or for educational purposes. Please add to this list (alphabetical by category and within categories).

Learning is a social endeavour. Schools need to understand that for our students the social landscape has changed. Rather than turning away from this reality we need to understand what it means and what our children need to know and learn to safely maximise the opportunities it brings.

"But it is not enough for educators to simply be aware of social networking; they have an obligation to teach students the difference between social networking and academic networking."

"Technology is changing the world at a rapid pace, and education isn't exempt from the effects of that. Social media, in particular, is one of the greatest influences of our time - not just on young people, but on culture in general - encouraging social connections and enabling the exchange of thoughts and information on a global scale. And although it has its drawbacks (peer pressure, bullying, access to questionable content, and its addictive nature, to name a few), there are also tremendous benefits when it comes to social networks - and let's face it, they're not going anywhere."

"The social network: How some brains come hardwired for friendship "

Dr. Alec Couros delivered the closing keynote presentation at the 2009 Summer Faculty Institute program at the University of Delaware. His talk, titled "Harnessing the Power of Social Networks in Teaching & Learning" addresses the underlying questions about social networking and education.

"When Google+ entered the social space in 2011, it was met largely with skepticism. Joining a crowded field with platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, many users questioned the need for another social network. But roughly two years later, Google+ has established itself as the second-largest social media site in the world and boasts a monthly active user base of 235 million. And some of the products that Google built into the platform, such as Hangouts and Communities, along with its added integration in Google News that can benefit an active poster, have made Google+ an intriguing network for all users."

Researchers say a growing number of children are flouting age requirements on sites such as Facebook and MySpace, or using social-networking sites designed just for them.

"The infographic below features some of the risks of posting on social networks. It also provides some interesting data on the kind of content people share on these sites. Check it out below and share it with your colleagues and students."

"Pinterest: A Beginner's Guide to the Hot New Social Network"

Student Social Network Use Declines as Social Apps Move to Take Their Place