There is a tangible electricity present when teachers connect with each other, and connect their students to others in safe ways using digital technologies. In this session, we'll share stories about the different ways teachers have and continue to experience this "magical electricity" through synchronous as well as asynchronous digital connections for professional development as well as classroom instruction. To be effective, teachers need to literally EXPERIENCE the constructive power of digital interactions online rather than simply hear about the possiblities in an "awareness workshop." Teachers need to "make stuff" with other teachers using digital tools, and meaningfully collaborate with others over digital networks. We'll explore ways teachers are doing these things today using the technologies present in their classrooms and available read/write web resources.

Outline

Presenters will share stories from successful professional development experiences with teachers and review a variety of tools utilized to make live as well as asynchronous connections with other educators. These types of "magical moments" of actual interaction between educators are often transformative due to their highly motivational nature. We will explore ways professional development workshops can strive to encourage educators to have and share these types of transformative interactions with others.

Supporting Research

I have extensive references to academic research sources as well as practical examples of the importance of digitally blended, collaborative, and sustained professional development on my blog (awarded "Best Learning Theory Blog" of 2006 by Discovery Education and eSchoolNews) on www.speedofcreativity.org.

Presenter Background

My biographical information and vitae is available on http://www.wesfryer.com/bio/.