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Back-channel communication is a secondary conversation that takes place at the same time as a conference session, lecture, or instructor-led learning activity. This might involve students using a chat tool or Twitter to discuss a lecture as it is happening, and these background conversations are increasingly being brought into the foreground of lecture interaction. Digital technologies allow background discussions-which have always been a component of classes, conferences, and presentations-to be brought out of the shadows and, perhaps, incorporated as a formal part of learning activities. Instructors and presenters alike should be aware of this dynamic and the opportunity it presents to add another dimension to learning.

Flowchart and description by Wendy Drexler of processes that students go through when constructing personal learning environments

The formation of professional learning communities (PLCs) is a recent strategy in academe designed to better engage faculty and professional staff in order to stimulate collaboration, synthesize solutions based on multiple perspectives, and identify opportunities to further the major goals of the postsecondary institution. Join representatives from Eastern Kentucky University as they deconstruct a recent PLC that emphasized instructional technology and brought about new awareness, consensus building, and a shared vision of the future of classroom pedagogy.

Here are a few tips to consider when planning a professional learning community

From required continuing education units to the learning you want to do to keep your teaching fresh, you probably find yourself on a continual quest for new information. This list of blogs for the classroom teacher is just one more way to find that ever-important knowledge. Read these blogs to find ways to bolster your lessons, learn how you can use technology in your classroom, stay on top of current education news and policy, or get resources for a specific subject.

How do educators keep current with the ever changing world of technology? How can Web 2.0 tools be used to communicate and collaborate with peers across the hall and around the world? This session will focus on some of the newest tools teachers are using to support their own professional learning goals.

2009 report examining the status of K-12 online education across the country, providing a research-based overview of the latest policies, practices and trends affecting online learning programs across all 50 states.

section of the C4LPT website looks at how to use Twitter and Facebook for learning

Kidblog.org is designed for elementary and middle school teachers who want to provide each student with their own, unique blog. Kidblog's simple, yet powerful tools allow students to publish posts and participate in discussions within a secure classroom blogging community. Teachers maintain complete control over student blogs. Provide your students with an authentic, engaging, and interactive learning experience with Kidblog.

Edmodo featured on an ABC News Chicago segment entitled Techno Teaching. This is a link to the video and full article.

Sharing ~ Part II of Diigo V4 tutorial series Diigo -- making Researching, Sharing, and Collaborating faster, easier and more effective!