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!
