Becoming Networked

Last week I did something amazing. Based on a recommendation from an awesome colleague (read Victoria's blog here), I checked out Twiducate. And then I did something even more amazing ... I introduced my kiddos to it. And, though it is not quite like Twitter, it is close enough that my kids have decided we should call our posts "tweets" ... and they are thrilled.

Twiducate is basically a posting board for my classroom. Its a place my kids and I can share ideas and thoughts and questions. It's a place they can prove they can show me (and their classmates) what they are learning (like last week when they were asked to make a post describing the Dust Bowl using a simile). It's a brilliant way for me to get a formative assessment. It's very teacher controlled ... the kids have to have my class code and a password to access our class. I get an e-mail every time something is posted (for now the chat feature is disabled because I don't get e-mails about chats) so I can keep an eye on things.

And it's fun. Right now they are super excited to just communicate with their classmates. I also have the option to add other classes so that we can communicate with them. Talk about great collaboration. (Shameless plug ...  if you start using Twiducate, add my class!) I have, for now, asked my classes to only post when and what I ask them to ... we are still learning about the social media side of things, so I am not quite "turning them loose" yet.

But look at us ... 37 nine and ten year old kids and one still slightly nervous teacher ... becoming a networked classroom. Whoa.

I've read articles (like this one). I've done research (such as this). And, lets be honest, the benefits of being a networked classroom are numerous and obvious. It's a great way to engage kids. It's a great way to connect kids. It's 'world-flattening'. It's preparing kids for their future jobs (all of which aren't even created yet!). For my kiddos (4th graders) it's a great way to teach them digital citizenship skills such as etiquette and safety in a secure environment.

Sometimes I get scared. Letting go of control is hard. What if I don't teach them enough about cyber bulling and internet safety? So, when my kids asked "Hey! Can we get on this at home?!" I quickly responded "Not yet. Let's figure it out together, here at school, first." That's part of the reason ... the other part? It's just plain ole' still scary to turn my 4th graders loose with the internet. But I'm getting there.

When I read articles such as this one "Pros and Cons of Social Media in the Classroom" it is so clear that the pros outweigh the cons. So, here I am, trying to make my class a networked classroom. I'm taking it slowly and handing out lots of internet safety speeches. And, I think they are listening and learning (hopefully not only the content I'm teaching but also life long skills). And I know they are loving every minute of it.

And when a kid looks at you and says "Mrs. Moreland! This is so ... so, modern!" Well, that makes it aall worth it.

How are YOU transitioning your room to a networked classroom?

What other great sites should I check out?