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Mathematica is a computational software program used in many scientific, engineering, mathematical and computing fields. It was conceived by Stephen Wolfram and is developed by Wolfram Research of Champaign, Illinois. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfram_Mathematica

The average value is very desirable in the world of statistics! Known as the central tendency, averages provide a way to understand the characteristics of a broad set of data. What are the different measures of central tendency? How can we calculate them? Let's explore this below!

Explain Everything is a unique interactive screencasting whiteboard app being used by over 2 million students, teachers, leaders, and learners around the world. Engage and get inspired. Watch other people's explanations, videos, and projects made in Explain Everything.

This particular document looks at the communities of practice model from the lens of a government agency in its' partnership with businesses, foundations, non-profits, and other organizations. The document's value comes to life in the fact that it focuses on how the communities of practice implemented are more of a valid method for productivity because a shared interest is involved and the experiences are shared. First time viewers of this document would benefit from the diagram on page 8 that explores the distinct features of the community, domain and practice which lead to a successful community of practice. The diagram is an excellent means of introducing the model to new participants or those already engaged in a community of practice, but simply unaware of their involvement. I also appreciate this document because it offers practicality and context in viewing how multiple entities can come together to form a community of practice united by a common purpose.

I found this article interesting because it talked about the value of using CoP's in management, in particular government. It details the changing age of technology in meeting the demands and needs of communities and organizations around the world. As needs and wants begin to move, so do the challenges that are provided to government. In this regard it talks about utilizing the value on online communities to help create a network of highly skilled people to meet these new demands. By engaging people in this kind of networking through social media people are able to better handle new situations by connecting with people who have experienced similar problems in the past.

From Google: The Google Cultural Institute brings together millions of artifacts from multiple partners, with the stories that bring them to life, in a virtual museum. This site allows your students to explore different art museums, primary sources, and world wonders. An awesome source to let students explore and see what they find.

This article on MOOCs brought some interesting things to the forefront. When these courses were new they were touted as having the potential to change the world. In the years since though their hype has gone down. Most people participating have already earned college degrees. On encouraging pattern however is that teachers are often participating in the courses. This could potentially bring big positive changes to teacher professional development.

This blog describes some differences between social learning and communities of practice. While it is written by an instructional designer in the corporate sector, many of the details and examples are still applicable to education.

This post aims to distinguish between social learning and communities of practice. It offers an interesting take on the two sides. What I really got most out of it was actually from the first comment from another reader who offers an amazing example of a community of practice. The author of the comment uses Professional Chefs as an example of a community of practice which was one of the best real world and simple to understand explanations I have seen. "My favorite example of a community of practice is professional chefs. They are a community in every sense of the word even though no one maintains a membership list. Chefs identify with one another. They spend time together. They share their knowledge and swap secrets with one another. They enrich the practice of the profession. They nurture people entering the professional and guide their professional development. They set and maintain standards. You can even spot them by the clothes they wear. What brings them together is the "practice." That's terrible term, for it's subject to misinterpretation. We're talking practice as in legal practice or medical practice, not as in piano practice or football practice." Their goal is not making profits; it's furthering the practice.

CoPs are becoming much more popular with the use of technology. Etienne Wenger and Jean Lave are two of the most respected names when it comes to communities of practice. CoPs are groups that are focused on collaboration of common interests while having a purpose and motivation.

The author, a chief technology officer (CTO), does an excellent job outlining how to develop your own PLN. He challenges the reader to use Twitter, Diigo, Google+, and blog. The is an excellent beginners resource!

I like this a lot. As Jody stated above, I never really thought of connecting with others and considering them colleagues. I was more focused on just listening to their ideas and making them my own, rather than sharing collectively.

This article, while simple, points out some profound "a-ha's" about power of online personal learning networks. Online PLNs allow educators to engage in the flow of conversations without necessarily being to tied to a time and/or place. As the author points out, some of the biggest changes occur in educators when they begin to share what they know on a PLN. By sharing one's thoughts, an individual can reach a deeper understanding of his or her own understanding.

This GoogleDoc by George Siemens provides a great visual to help describe the differences between connectivism and other learning theories (behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism). He created a table listing different properties and then briefly lists how each theory explains those properties. He then lists several characteristics that are distinct about connectivism.

First of all I wanted to point out how much I love that in the digital age we are so connected to each other that a Google Doc put out by Siemens can be shared with the world. Information is so readily available. This table definitely speaks to my style of learning, it is easy to view and compare the different learning theories that he breaks down. You can read multiple paragraphs about each, but to see it in a chart clarifies it all.

A great video about our changing world of education in the 21st century

While watching these types of videos I find myself filled with optimism. I sometimes even pat myself on the back because I find they align nicely to what I feel. Unfortunately when the video ends I find I'm still in the same place I was before the video. With that being said I'll watch it again!!

Contains a broad review of the theory of connectivism and discussion of the LaaN view of knowledge ecology. Compares knowledge ecology to CoP, knot, intentional networks and coalitions...to name a few that I had not heard of before. Also some interesting comparisons of learning theories.

The article discussed "connected learning communities" and how it is relevant in the digital age. There are three components (professional learning communities (PLCs), personal learning network (PLNs), and communities of practice (CoPs)) with these communities and different theories, experience and knowledge, effectiveness, anticipates growth or decline, challenges and dilemmas, and use of technology within each component.

The PLP (Powerful Learning Practice) model looked at three different learning connected learning communities to discuss what each one is, the effects on teacher professional development, challenges and use of technology to name a few. Personal learning communities, personal learning networks, and communities of practice were the three that were discussed. I like how in this article, Connectivism is tied into PLN's which demonstrates how these concepts of PLN's, CoP's, and Connectivism are interrelated. Within PLN's and CoP's, members are concerned about the content and "what they do" as well as interact amongst the group to achieve a higher purpose.

This article is fantastic as it encompasses all that we are studying right now! Each aspect was broken down very well and explained completely. I also appreciated that the authors talked about the anticipated growth, use of technology and value of a PLN, for instance. This is a great reference to refer back to later.

I am not sure where many districts or states are in technology integration stages. Our specific state has developed a profile of where we want to see each student at the graduation stage.

This article provides ways that classrooms become communities of practice, how the teacher typically can be become the facilitative leader. If done effectively, students will learn to collaborate. Learning starts occurring (both formally and informally), and communities of practice help us learn through development of skills as well as establishing identity. The goal of these communities of practice is to prepare individuals for the real world.

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.

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!

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.

Breakdown of the theory of Connectivism, distinctions between groups and networks and learning about the history & application of Connectivism in education

This article talks about the importance of networks and the difference between a group emphasis and a network emphasis. The author discusses the importance of information running through a network of human and non-humans. He additionally outlines Siemen's principles of Connectivism. Further, he discusses the implications for using the principles of Connectivism by educators and within higher education.

Kelsey, thanks for sharing. I found the article relevant to my own practice as a higher ed librarian, where we are increasingly encouraging students to be producers of information and to participate in the scholarly conversation.

Offers links to Excel learning tutorials, subject-specific uses for spreadsheet software, and links to additional resources

Integrating technology in the classroom is becoming more and more prevalent in many schools across the world. Teachers need to think of creative ways to incorporate technology into the classroom. This guide provides help for teachers wanting to use the application, Microsoft Excel, for help in their classes.

Some great tutorials on Excel and ways to integrate it into multiple content areas.

Programming is making its way to schools around the world and there's an authentic need for diverse ways to introduce computational thinking and coding to a whole generation, not just us geeky types. Diane has found successful ways to introduce the topic to students who previously didn't consider themselves equipped for programming.

Rosetta Stone Shared Talk allows for real-time online chat with Spanish speakers from around the world.