Teachers should be encouraged to think through a rationale for any book to be read to or by the entire class. For primary teachers, who may read aloud many picture books to their classes each week, a written rationale is not practical. However, teachers should be prepared to explain their choices, stating why the book was chosen and what the objectives are in terms of the problems, needs, or interests of their individual class.
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Teacher's Corner: Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) | American English - 1 views
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This is a simple resource that explains personal learning networks for those being introduced to it. -
The first section of this resource is great for someone new to PLNs. It expresses how PLNs provide the tools and resources that allow for an educators continuous growth. I also like that this resource explains that teachers may still have face-to-face PLNs within their district or subject area. However, it is beneficial to have the digital PLN as well to allow for growth that can expand further and can be accessed at all times. In addition, this article emphasizes how it is important to remember the "personal" part of PLNs, you can adapt your PLN to your changing needs.
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Siemens, George. "Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age." (2014). - 0 views
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This article explains the differences between behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism. The author makes the argument that behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism all have limitations to learning in the digital world. The author argues that connectivism is a beneficial learning model, especially in the digital era. -
his article points out how the rapid increase of technology in our lives is changing how we need to educate. A few areas it points to in supporting this argument is the trend that knowledge is often not following a linear path, how the half life of knowledge is becoming shorter and shorter and how the capacity to learn more outweighs the amount of knowledge currently known. Connectivism becomes important when facing these challenges because it allows us to have access to a much broader range of knowledge than we would otherwise. Often times in our world today the collective knowledge of many individuals is more valuable than the sole knowledge of a single expert. -
This article goes over the differences between connectivism, cognitivism and behaviorism. Society is changing and how we interact with people has changed.
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Connected Educator - 3 views
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This video provides the importance and opportunity of connecting using social networking and building up educators through connecting with each other. There are many examples of how being connected has worked for different teachers. -
Educators have always been connected and new tools help them get connected easier to other knowledge sources. Like the interviewed people say in the video, how do we know that we are doing well if we are not connected and get feedback? I completely agree with the idea of the need of being connected to students, colleagues, parents, community...to be a 21st century educator.
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What is a PLN? - 12 views
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A short, engaging YouTube video on defining Personal Learning Networks. - ...4 more comments...
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This is one of the videos I watched on YouTube as well, Melodie! It does such a great job demonstrating a large amount of information about PLNs in a very short time frame. I thought there were two really critical points made in this video. First, Lalande makes it clear that a PLN does not necessarily have to be online, but it is the digital interaction does make a PLN special. I also liked the way he presented all of the options for interaction (i.e. a lurker or sharer) as well as the networking tool options, such as Twitter or YouTube. Thanks for sharing! -
I thought the video did a very good job of describing a PLN in a very efficient manner but matter of fact way. It was simplistic, yet allowed the view to comprehend the extensive nature of a PLN. The most important part of the video in my mind is when it talks about it is something you can choose to participate when you want and pick and choose things that are best suited for you! -
Melodie, thank you for sharing this video. Youtube has such great resources, what a great way to explain PLNs to colleagues. I especially appreciate how it specifically described the network as the one you get involved in when, where and how you want to. I appreciate how he describes how you can be heavily invested or not, but that you will gain a larger benefit if you leave the "lurker" phase and invest more. -
Love having short snippets/videos that describe a topic in brief. Sometimes, a topic can become so cumbersome so quick. This was an informative video, short, and to the point. Thanks for posting! -
I really enjoy the simplicity of this video while at the same time the depth of understanding it gives in such a brief period of time. For me this video really drives home the effectiveness technology can have in presenting potentially overwhelming information in a very easy to understand manner. -
In my opinion, the key words of this video are "what", because you choose what to share, "where" and "when" to do it. It is brief but powerful. Thanks Melodie for sharing it!
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Understanding personal learning networks: Their structure, content and the networking s... - 4 views
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In this article, Kamakshi Rajagopal,Desirée Joosten-ten Brinke, Dr. Jan Van Bruggen, and Dr. Peter B. Sloep identify nine factors that influence the creation and maintenance of personal learning networks. I found a number of these to be important on how and why people develop PLN's including the ability to learn and collaborate. -
The model really brought a new light to PLN's for me. Once I looked at it closely it made complete sense, it was simply a case of putting a face with a name. Thanks for sharing!
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7 things you should know about personal learning environments - 6 views
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I wanted to know more about the difference between a personal learning network and a personal learning environment. This article does a great job of breaking down the differences even though they obviously work hand in hand. - ...2 more comments...
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I agree with you that this was a great source to see the difference between PLEs and PLNs. I think it was set out in a straight forward way that was easy to read and figure out. -
I liked this source because a majority use PLEs and PLNs as synonyms, and while they are closely related; they do have differences. The article was relatively short and a great resource for outlining the differences between the PLEs and PLNs. -
What I love about this source is the section that discusses why PLEs are significant - I love how it talks about how it is student-driven. It is up to the learner to be in charge of their own learning path and provides authentic learning opportunities. With the creation of 2.0 tools, educators are able to differentiate to different learners with the creations of these tools and pairing students that are in the same skill-set or have similar interests for them to learn information and assist in making connections.
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I like this source and how it explains PLEs, why they are important, who they are for, and even the downsides to them. It makes it an easy read and easy to find the information you are looking for. I also like how it includes a case study to align with the information that is given.
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The Promise of Connected Learning | NextThought - 3 views
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This source addresses personal learning networks and connected learning environments. It describes connected learning as important because information is so widespread and accessible, and learning is now happening flexibly. The source also discusses connectivity and communities of practice.
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Great post. I love all of the visual representations. I enjoyed having those to assist my reading. Connected learning is become much more flexible. In my opinion all of the visuals were much more powerful than the words. To me, they assist my learning in expressing the differences between Cops and connectivism. The last visual of connected learning might be my favorite visual representation that I have seen so far. It describes it perfectly. -
I especially liked the "key functional elements" section that outlined necessities within the network. The visual of the network with the peoples' faces made sense and gave a very clear picture of learning connections. Great source.
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This article discusses the idea of connected learning and its benefits. It discusses how the learner can be at the center of their learning. Although this article focuses of incorporating connected learning to teaching practices, it can also be applied to gain a better understanding of forming personal learning networks to enhance ones professional growth.
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I love the term "connected learning." I can't imagine learning in isolation. I have to take what I am reading and share it out on Twitter, I want to get the interaction of others to enrich and enhance what I am learning. Learning systems is a good way to put it. You have a system in place that involves connecting with others.
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shared by thwilliams on 02 Sep 15
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Looking at Connectivism as a New Learning Theory - OnlineUniversities.com - 6 views
www.onlineuniversities.com/...ivism-as-a-new-learning-theory
Edtech543 resources technology education web2.0
shared by thwilliams on 02 Sep 15
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This blog post takes a detailed look at connectivism and breaks down the impact the theory has on learning. The author notes the change in thinking and learning and how the brain is being rewired because of technology.
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Great share! I love the video of the student and how connectivism is being used as a learning theory. It also talks about the strategies one needs to be a learner within this theory.
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Thanks for sharing! I really like how this article is organized and discusses the implications of connectivism. I also found it interesting how the article emphasizes knowing where to look or find things as more important than knowing the actual "facts." Knowing where and how to look is essential in being a life-long learner and professional development.
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I simply enjoy how easy of a read this source is. Articles are so boring and make it hard for me to concentrate while I'm reading and this sources is still giving valuable information, but offers an easy to read layout and language.
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This is a blog entry, which can make me skeptical of the quality of the information. With digital use, our brain is rewired. If this isn't reason enough that we should not be teaching like it is 1980, I don't know what is.
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shared by thwilliams on 02 Sep 15
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Educators Are Ditching Traditional Conferences for Blogs and Twitter - InformED - 9 views
www.opencolleges.edu.au/...ferences-for-blogs-and-twitter
technology education PLN Edtech543 learning
shared by thwilliams on 02 Sep 15
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This post explains how educators are becoming more sophisticated in their social media use which is leading to more shared information outside of the traditional conference or classroom.
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This is a fascinating article! I was really inspired by at as I'm finding myself becoming more interested in making sure my social media connections are there to provide professional development (while mixing in some personal). As we become more tech centered, I can see there being value in collaborating online and learning through a variety of avenues, rather than sitting in a common area. I think this article can also be emphasized for student learning as we encourage them to learn and find connections to the content outside of the classroom.
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This was an awesome article about professional use of social media. I think that it is really interesting to talk about how fewer teachers are attending face to face conferences and are instead replacing those with the use of the internet and social media!
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Interestingly, I've found that in my field, Twitter has become a way to supplement the conference experience. Those who can't afford to attend are encouraged to follow along with what's happening (live) using session-specific hashtags. I can see librarian conferences eventually going by the wayside, and I'm not certain that I would be upset about that! -
This was an interesting read. I also find that many conferences are hard to attend due to funding. I like how many educational professionals are finding ways to connect using their PLNs through Twitter to participate in edchats. Social media has made the ability to connect with others in your field so much easier and cheaper. It also demonstrates the point how learning and professional development are becoming more self-directed to meet each educator's needs. Thanks for sharing!
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At my district professional development day this August, there was a session title Twitter for Teachers. While my district is not prepared to get rid of traditional PD, they can see the value in PLNs that allow for continuous professional growth. I think this article provides a great explanation of the transition from traditional PD and conferences to a digital world. The author also notes, however, that personalized learning could lead to "one-sided" information. I think that is why it may be important for districts to educate their teachers on PLNs to hopefully start them in the right direction.
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Connected teaching and learning: The uses and implications of connectivism in an online... - 2 views
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The authors argue that there is no difference between theories of teaching and theories of learning (rendering the debate over whether connectivism is one or the other irrelevant). The elaborate on the ideas that instructors in connectivism are participants in a class learning along with the students, rather than being the sources of knowledge, and that one important role of instructors may be to defend the connections of the past so that they will be carried forward. I found this to be one of the most illuminating articles on connectivism that I've read thus far.
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Connected Learning Infographic | Connected Learning - 5 views
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I like this infographic for several reasons: 1) it's an infographic, and 2) it's Creative Commons Attribution licensed, which means anyone can use it, change, it, share it, or make it even better, as long as attribution is given! One of the key points made here is that connectivism allows for cross-generational learning, challenging the notion that learning can only be acquired through transmission from our elders.
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At first I thought this visual was very overwhelming and chaotic, but as I looked at the individual parts that make up the whole I gleaned a lot of new information about the way personal learning networks work. The visual also made it very distinct that not only cross-generational learning occurs, but also cross-cultural learning. I feel this is important because learning across cultures can be highly beneficial in showing various points of view. Great source!
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shared by Jill Miller on 02 Sep 15
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Information Literacy and Communities of Practice - 8 views
designerlibrarian.wordpress.com/...cy-and-communities-of-practice
Edtech543 teaching information literacy communities of practice
shared by Jill Miller on 02 Sep 15
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In this blog post, Amanda Hovious, librarian and instructional designer, discusses librarians as facilitators of communities of practice. What strikes me about this post is that Hovious identifies various types of communities of practice, including (for example) students in an English Comp class. If a classroom of students can be considered a community of practice, then every educator serves in a role that facilitates these communities.
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I really found the breakdown of communities of practice and the examples she shared helpful. She provides a great viewpoint of the value and importance of communities of practice.
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This post was great! As a teacher of secondary English, I'm always trying to find ways to engage my learners both in and out of the classroom in regards to reading. I need to tap more into our library and our librarian! Awesome ideas I will have to share with her!
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I love getting the librarian perspective in this post. I think it was interesting to see how she facilitates the communities of practice. I also liked getting ideas of different groups that constitute a community of practice.
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Personal learning networks - 13 views
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There are four main aspects to a successful PLN: 1. Tools - depend on learners ability level but commonly include social media 2. Connection - groups of people with similar interests and goals. There is no boundary for location of group. 3. Delivery - can be through any method the learner prefers 4. Opportunity - with the development of technology, this can happen anywhere the learner has access. - ...7 more comments...
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I like that this link shares the "nuts and bolts" of PLNs. Seeing the basics laid out clearly is a great way to begin building a framework for understanding! I keep seeing NING mentioned in a number of articles, but I am unfamiliar with it. I might have to check it out just to stifle my curiosity! -
This article was a great introduction to PLNs. I valued the intention it took from the beginning with the recognition that educators are life long learners, usually by choice, but also by state requirements. Making that connection between the inherent need for educators to learn and gain knowledge and the power of a PLN seems simple, but there are so many educators/districts not taking advantage of this resource. -
This article makes a great point, that a personal learning network is designed by the learner where they are learning in their own comfort zone. The learner is attracted to certain things because of their abilities and own comfort level. The learner is in control of what they wish to accomplish, how much they want to learn and how they want to do it. -
Great introduction to PLN's. I am sooo glad I am learning more about these. I have a new job teaching tech integration at the elementary level with zero curriculum, etc. I will be using PLN's to get research and other ideas. The great thing about this article is that it recognizes the importance of PLN's for educators continued PD. Great article! -
This is a very simplified version which I like. I agree with Matt, the mention of PD in a brief article is good. A clear text which is helping me to build a better understanding. Thanks to Siss1382. -
This is a good resource for someone looking for a layman's description of personal learning networks. The resource explains the elements - tools, connections, delivery, and opportunities of a PLN. It also talks about the growth of PLNs and connects it to social constructivism. -
In this article from the Encyclopedia of Educational Technology, the author indicates that educators are expected to be lifelong learners and how Personal Learning Networks, that were originated in the business community, are a great tool to offer professional development. Four elements are cited as being the center to a successful PLN. These are the tools to build the PLN, the connections between the members, the way of delivering the information and the opportunity to participate in the PLN.
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This wiki site was one of the most simplest definitions displaying the elements of a PLN: tools, connections, delivery, and opportunity. Tools allow the learner to use what is most familiar, connections provide the ability to build relationships with others, delivery includes how information is disseminated, and opportunity is when the learner has the time to practice.
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This is a great site for someone new to PLNs. It provides a description of what makes up a PLN along with visuals. I also like the "growth" section of the wiki. In the first paragraph it discusses district PLCs. Many districts like to have vertical meetings, where all of the math teachers from elementary through the high school meet to see how their coursework aligns. These meetings are inconsistent because it is difficult to get all of the teachers out of class at the same time. Digital PLCs for vertical meetings would be a great way to allow for more constant collaboration.
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Community of Practice Design Guide - 14 views
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Defines CoP's and reinforces that CoP's focus on sharing knowledge and developing best practices. Identifies CoP's as a model for connecting people for learning, knowledge sharing, collaboration and organizational development. Provides great key questions for growth of a CoP. - ...6 more comments...
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Even though I am becoming more acclimated to the non-linear arrangements of websites and the Internet, in general, it is still nice to see a well formatted document that clearly lists its points and is somewhat old-fashioned in presenting more recently cultivated information. This is the type of arrangement I needed to help me visualize CoP's. -
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A step by step guide for designing and cultivating CoPs from the Educause Library of free resources -
I really enjoyed this article as it did provide a very clear distinction to a CoP and how they generate around a particular goal or common objectives. The one aspect of the article that I found really fascinating dealt with how to create a CoP and how it spoke of the cultivation of a CoP. It is not something that grows automatically, but must be intentional in nature. This requires the design, formalization of the community, and planning activities and core concepts for the CoP. It is not imperative that a CoP is fully structured from the beginning as the CoP will ultimately identfiy its main tenants over the period of growth. -
This guide provides a practical interpretation of the theoretical underpinnings of communities of practice (CoPs) in higher education. The guide begins with a definition, review of the purpose of CoPs, as well as their lifecycle. The authors also outline the stages of development in a CoP. This section includes guiding questions and activities to help others facilitate the development process within their own CoPs. I found this resource to be helpful in visualizing the process of developing CoPs.
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This source is set up differently than the others that I found. It is focused more on why communities are important, and how to build them. It also provides some good visuals that represent types of communities, how to grow communities, and different ways to grow and cultivate those relationships and communities.
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This is a great guide from Educause on the "nuts and bolts" of establishing a PLN. This resource provides a step-by-step guide to establishing a CoP. -
This article is really helpful since it gives practical there are some things you can do. My favorite is "Design." You can not just set up spaces and expect people to interact. You have to drive purpose and there has to be meaning there.
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Places to Go: Connectivism & Connective Knowledge - 3 views
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Connectivism is an adaptation to constructivism for the digital age that we are living and the technology that goes with it. It is a red flag that indicates that all theories have to adapt to the time. This means that it is great that we look forward and get adapted to the XXI century but there is still an important foundation in well-established learning theories like constructivism.
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Fastest Way to Create Comic Strips and Cartoons - Toondoo - 0 views
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Toondoo lets you create comic strips and cartoons easily with just a few clicks, drags and drops. It contains a number of characters, background scenes and speech bubbles to choose from. You can also import your own images.
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Guideline on Censorship: Don't Let it Become an Issue in Your Schools - 0 views
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Obviously, the teacher should be thoroughly familiar with all assigned selections. In short, professional responsibility means not only selecting print and nonprint materials, but also possessing a willingness and ability to defend the choices made.
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Appropriateness Factors to be considered in assessing the appropriateness of books are children's interests, the age level and/or maturity of children in relation to the book being considered, and the content, format and illustration.
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Breadth of Coverage Books may present problems of stereotyping with respect to sex and to race. Religion, politics, and questions of morality or patriotism are issues about which there are considerable differences of opinion. The importance of such books may lie mainly, or only, in their historical viewpoint and should be presented as such to children who read them. Teachers and librarians should be aware of these considerations and should make every effort to provide materials which present alternate points of view. Historically there have always been those who have recognized the offensiveness of these materials. Children, like adults exposed to new ideas, can accept or reject them, based on input from all viewpoints. All opinions require protection under the First Amendment.
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IF and AFTER censorship problems arise (and before a formal complaint procedure is initiated), here are some approaches and considerations: Be sure to inform your principal of any complaint, and how you plan to handle it. Urge your principal to read or view the material objected to. Afterwards, share with him/her your reasons for using the material with children. Also, try to get a school board member and a local minister, rabbi, or priest to read or look at the material. If a parent complains about material, insisting on an immediate discussion about it, defer such a discussion; make an appointment with him/her for a later time. At the same time, assure the parent that you have a concern for the child's interest. Neither you nor the parent should be in the position of discussing material without careful consideration beforehand of the factors that are to be discussed. Do not defend materials on the spur of the moment. Apart from being unfair to all concerned, and particularly to children, it is your professional duty to present your views thoughtfully and with consideration. Reread or review the material in question, even though you may already be familiar with it. Identify its strengths. Put down in writing why you believe it is proper and useful in your teaching program. Collect reviews of the material from such publications as Language Arts, English Journal, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Horn Book, School Library Journal, and other professional publications. There may be three to five parents, other than the complaining parents, who may be particularly supportive of your teaching objectives. Request that they read or view the material being questioned and invite their written reactions, addressed to you and your principal
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ALA | Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials (Coping With... - 0 views
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School librarians play a key role in making sure that students have the broad range of resources and ideas they need to develop critical thinking skills. Challenges to materials provide a “teachable moment” that can help you build understanding and support for the principles of intellectual freedom, including First Amendment rights, student rights of access and professional ethics.
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Applying the principles of intellectual freedom Connect academic freedom with intellectual freedom. Academic freedom guarantees the teacher’s right to teach and to select classroom and library resources for instruction. Make sure everyone involved understands the right of people in a democratic society to express their concerns and that all people have the right to due process in the handling of their complaints. Explain the obligation of the school district to provide intellectual and physical access to resources that provide for a wide range of abilities and differing points of view. Define intellectual and physical access when appropriate. Intellectual access includes the right to read, receive and express ideas and the right to acquire skills to seek out, explore and examine ideas. Physical access includes being able to locate and retrieve information unimpeded by fees, age limits, separate collections or other restrictions. Emphasize the need to place the principles of intellectual and academic freedom above personal opinion, and reason above prejudice, when selecting resources. Connect intellectual freedom and access. The freedom to express your beliefs or ideas becomes meaningless when others are not allowed to receive or have access to those beliefs or ideas. Stress the need for teachers and librarians to be free to present students with alternatives and choices if students are to learn and use critical thinking and decision-making skills.
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Protecting students and staff with a materials selection policy Update your materials selection policy. Include a formal reconsideration process for textbooks, gift materials, electronic and other resources used in classrooms, laboratories and libraries. Seek board of education approval. Be sure to include the educational goals of the school district and to relate the selection policy to these goals. Emphasize the positive role of the selection policy in clarifying the use of educational resources and in ensuring stability and continuity regardless of staff change. To ensure uniformity and fairness in dealing with complaints, delegate the responsibility for dealing with complaints and requests for reconsideration to the principal in each school. Inform all your school staff (including nurses, secretaries, cafeteria workers and custodians) about the materials selection policy and reconsideration process. Review the policy with staff at the beginning of each school year. Distribute a copy of the policy with a simple statement that explains its importance in protecting students, teachers and librarians against censorship.
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Every school library needs a material selection policy. If your library doesn't, make it a priority.
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Technology and Education | Box of Tricks - 2 views
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The rising importance and availability of online social networks and their popularity among young people in particular cannot be dismissed, putting the use of ICT at the heart of 21st century interconnectivity in all areas of society, not just education.
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Pedagogy, in my opinion, needs to reflect these social changes and conform to the needs and expectations of today’s students and, if we teach them in a way that mirrors how they live their lives when they are not in school, if we help to ensure that the gap between their school life and real life is minimised, we then become better able to guarantee the commitment and engagement of the vast majority of our students.
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the connected teacher.
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Using ICT with a focus on the C for Communication is, in my view, the next logical step and would allow us to bring the learning online and to blend the use of traditional tools such as textbooks or dictionaries with more up-to-date, relevant and authentic multimedia materials from the web. Microblogging would provide teachers and students with a platform in which they could interact beyond the constraints of the school walls, and with which the teacher could provide further personalised feedback and support.
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d Edmodo, w
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When students log on to Edmodo for the first time, they are prompted to enter the unique code generated for their class and thus both teacher and student accounts become linked and the can begin communication privately and safely.
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lear that better communication between school and home, between teachers and students is, not only desirable, but also essential in a world in which technology is continually discovering and developing new, exciting and useful ways of improving communication between people. In a sense, our students have tasted the proverbial honey and the move towards this type of social interaction in the fiel
