Though #edchat is relatively recent for me (only in the past couple of months), I have quickly become very enthused with the lively conversations from which I learn so much. Beautifully organized, it works like a well oiled machine. The topics are carefully chosen to spark dialogue and lively exchanges, and everyone plays a part. It is now a huge weekly event that still retains a welcoming, personal feel to it. Fast and furious, it’s the coming together of passionate educators who love to share and learn.
Recently, I had the opportunity, an immense honor, to write the #edchat summary for the topic: How Can K12 and Higher Ed Work Together Better to Promote Positive Change in Education (if interested, read here). It was a challenge, and I wasn’t sure I was up to it (with all the high caliber contributors, why pick ‘lil ol’ me? I’m certainly no expert!), but I guess that’s part of the strategy to empower a growing community.
After struggling to find the right words to summarize, select the right tweets to quote, I really felt like I had taken my learning one step farther. I’ve also kept thinking about this topic after the fact – and how I believe that Early Childhood, K-12, and Higher Ed all need to speak as one collective voice to create change in Education. Granted, there is a certain division of labor and each level has its own focus but it is one big educational system that has the common objective to help produce competent productive members of society. I would go one step farther and suggest that politics and borders and boundaries need to be removed from education if we are to produce global citizens who buy into a learning lifestyle.
I believe that it is through venues such as #edchat that we can create a shared vision of education that can extend beyond state and nation borders. It is through such initiatives as #edchat and the resulting action it inspires that change can occur as it should – from the ground up.
What #echat has brought me
Beyond the stimulating conversations, the wealth of resources, and the new colleagial relationships forged, #edchat has inspired me to want to continue the conversations. With help from @louwinsr @NancyTeaches and @thompseg, we are working to create a venue for elementary teachers to discuss issues and strategies that are specific to teaching in the elementary school context. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm for #elemchat, though somewhat apprehensive about the expectations (especially with such a great model as #edchat!) A very tough act to follow, but an exquisite one to be inspired by!
What a beautifully written entry! And now I know exactly why you were chosen to summarize #edchat: you can take the essence of what people were tweeting, make sense of it, and then report what you found in a concise manner that helps us all relate.
I love this quote in your entry: “I would go one step farther and suggest that politics and borders and boundaries need to be removed from education if we are to produce global citizens who buy into a learning lifestyle.” Not only do I agree with you, but the statement holds immense promise for future reference and discussion. Isn’t it interesting that a social networking device such as Twitter has brought so many people together for a common cause?
Thanks for your passion and today’s inspiration for me!
Hi Tania,
I am so pleased that #edchat has inspired #scichat and #mathchat! As a maths and science teacher who blogs, I had been feeling a little lonely in cyberspace. But now I have discovered a valuable personal learning network that already has inspired me to be a better teacher! Thanks to all involved – I look forward to more discussion and PD in future.
Your very nice post shows your sharp learning curve and your enthusiasm is inspiring. Best wishes for #elemchat. My hat is always off for elementary teachers and I’m awed to see those who can work without a moment to breathe, during the school day, and still put energy into growing our understanding of how to be better teachers. Thanks!
First I love the title of your blog. It brought back fond memories of the educational trip I took to Greece many years ago. It is definitely an appropriate name for your educational posts.
You have captured the essence of #edchat which has brought together an unbelievable group of outstanding educators. The birth of #elemchat is a much needed step to bring together a global collaboration and learning forum for elementary teachers.
Much success with this venture and keep on blogging.
Glad to add something new to my GoogleReader and such an interesting blog as well! Feel free to visit Stars and Clouds and who knows, we might be able to blog on something together at one point!
It is easy to see your passion and excitement for learning and adding to the pedagogy of the education world. I agree with you that K-12 and Higher Ed can (and should) work together. I am fortunate to live in a university town and teach in a professional development school (PDS). The partnership we have with the University allows us to be actively involved in cutting-edge practices and that allows our students to benefit even more.