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You will need to use your BSU information to access this pdf article by Christine Muller. This is a pretty dry article that attempts to make the connection between the need for community and mathematics. The author states, "Despite a common belief that mathematical practitioners prefer isolation and self-study, we observe that they are highly collaborative and active in their community. Mathematical collaborations are essential for any stage of mathematical practice". The author states the need to further analyze the need(s) for web-based community tools, such as discussion spaces that facilitate international online collaboration on the Web. This article is a starting point of a great discussion but needs much more elaboration.

This article was found through Ebscohost in Albertson's Library and will require you to login with your MyBoiseState account to read. While this article is directed at school librarians the information applies to anyone that is interested in expanding their PLN. The article is written in an easy to follow format and has great graphics throughout. It discusses why you should develop your PLN and provides management tips on how to make your PLN effective.

Research regarding the benefits of being a member of a community of practice. While the information seems a bit forced (the communities of practice used for the study were exclusively face-to-face communities), the benefits of being a member of a community of practice still seem valid. According to the study, they are (1) autonomy and freedom to think beyond, (2) sources to ideas, (3) sounding board, (4) intellectual discussion, (5) like-mindedness, (6) alternative perspective and cross-pollination of ideas, (7) overcoming intellectual isolation, (8) move towards collaborative research, (9) response to research pressure, (10) synergy and leverage, (11) time and energy saving, (12) an informal ground for learning and training, (13) fostering of tangible returns, (14) driving research, (15) opportunities to met, (16) networking, information sharing and updates, (17) support and guidance, (18) sense of belonging, (19) identity, and (20) intrinsic fulfillment. As the article is about higher education, there are certainly some benefits that are more specific to their context, but I think the findings of the article are still valid.

I adore Rita Pierson! I can't decide if I wish she was my teacher, my colleague or my administrator...one thing I know for sure, I wish she were my friend! This is my go to video when I need a reminder about why I do what I do. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do.

I have used this with my staff before. She is amazing, inspirational. She is talking directly about my students at my school. She is so right about how students don't learn from people they don't like. When you empower a student they will soar. School is all about building relationships, not just lessons and standards.

Every teach should start their day with this. What a great video. I liked the comment..."We know why kids drop out". Thank you for sharing this great resource!

Edublogs Teachers. This has a Step by Step process of how to create a PLN in just a few weeks. Very useful information given here.

Who can't use a step by step guide for PLNS? This is great. I can use guides for everything! I love quick breakdown and references that are presented in this blog. Thank your for sharing... I may be borrowing this into my diigo library! I think I now officially have a PLN to do list. Thank you for this find.

I love the step-by-step ease of this blog. Bookmarked this and definitely going to use it to my benefit!

I really like this article. Gives so many examples of free collaboration/sharing tools in the classroom. I appreciated the use of not only social media sites, but so many interactive sites that include collaboration tools - Even game-based learning ideas. Thanks for sharing! Matt

I have to try more of these tools out. It's great that this resource is found and can help our learners stay connected and that we have these kinds of resources to allow them to digitally create and collaborate on projects, and ideas.

What a fabulous find! I will definitely be taking a closer look at some of these! Nice job finding this incredible resource.

USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, responsible for monitoring, reporting, and researching earthquakes and earthquake hazards I used this with my third grade classes - great for explaining earthquakes

Just a couple of ways to use Social Media to connect your classroom to the world!

Provides ideas on how to inspire students in classrooms to become engaged in their learning. Lots of ideas on how to implement social media in the classroom.

How and why use social media in the classroom. I'm looking at this especially for Language Arts.

Drill & Practice-style math online with IXL. This site offers thousands of online math practice skills covering pre-K to high school, with questions that adapt to a student's individual proficiency.

Free resource of educational web tools, 21st century skills, tips and tutorials on how teachers and students integrate technology into education

Excellent animations for biological processes involved with transcription.

Screened directory of free educational video resources. Includes some of my personal favorites like PBS and WatchKnowLearn.

Great videos for PreK-1st grade range

Dr. Alice Christie's Web Site is an online resource for educators using technology to enhance teaching and learning in K-12 and university classrooms.

I linked the k-2 reading section, but eSparkLearning has excellent learning videos for grades k-8.

A resource database for educational videos and games divided by subject and concept.

Statistics on Teens and Technology from Pew Research Center.

Teachers who use instructional video report that their students retain more information, understand concepts more rapidly and are more enthusiastic about what they are learning. With video as one component in a thoughtful lesson plan, students often make new connections between curriculum topics, and discover links between these topics and the world outside the classroom.