One of the images that has opened my eyes in regards to a teacher's connective power is the Networked Teacher Diagram created by Dr. Alec Couros. I am a visual leaner and having this diagram available to consult helped me judge my ability to connect with and network through technology as well as to pin point specific areas that still need improvement.
Below are lists of websites that I have had the joy of discovering through my ECMP 355 class. I have decided to devote a page on my blog in order to keep track of them as well as to have a secure place where I can continue to add to the various categories.
Social Networking Websites
Twitter - I am currently a member and you can follow me (if you would like) @szachurc. This online PLN is such a great resource since it has allowed me to connected and exchange ideas with other educators all over the world.
Delicious - I did not get much of a chance to use this resource during the semester however, I have used it in previous classes and will definitely start using it again.
Flickr - I am in the process of joining Flickr since I am a huge fan of the Creative Commons licensing options that this site provides. Also, after looking on several photos, I see the value in putting your pictures out on the web for others to see and comment on. It is a great way of receiving feedback.
Wikispaces
Below is a list of wikispaces full of resources from technology to lesson plans and ideas to a list of blogs looking for support. It is one of my goals that this list will continue growing throughout my career:
Open Thinking - a wikispace compiled by Dr. Alec Couros which contains information regarding hot technology issues from cyberbullying to copyright as well as other resource categories.
Support Blogging - a wonderful wikispace full of blogs to follow and comment on.
Web 2.0/21st Century Tools - fantastic resource full of categories and links to a variety of technology tools.
K - 5 Resource Page - a wikispace created by Erica Paproski and Kaitlin Babiuk and myself as a resource that we, as well as other educators, can continue to use and contribute to throughout our careers.
Educator Blogs
Below is an ever growing list of prominent educator blogs that I am currently following at this point in time:
Will Richardson
Liz B Davis
Lawrence Lessig
Drew McAllister
Alec Couros
Blog Resources
After creating and maintaining a blog, I am a believer in its power to connect and bring people together though posts and comments. Below is a list of websites that will help get you started blogging:
WordPress
Blogger
EduBlogs
Kid Blogs
Educator Nings
Like the list of wikispaces, I hope my ning list continues to grow as I find and join other nings throughout my career in order to continue adding to my PLN:
Classroom 2.0 - a social networking ning for those interested in Web 2.0 and Social Media in education.
Ed Book Club Ning - a site devoted to changing technology one book at a time.
Educator’s PLN - This is a ning site dedicated to the support of a Personal Learning Network for Educators.
ECMP 355 Ning - my ECMP 355 ning that will continue to be a valuable network for me in years to come.
Tools
Audacity
Garageband
Aviary
Audio Sources
Creative Commons
CCMixter
Free Music Archive
Funky Remixes
Op Sound
Jamendo
Sound Transit
Archive.org
Sound Bible/Free Sound Library
Free Sound Projects
Podcasting & Storage
Podbean
iRadio
Internet Archive
SoundCloud
Websites
Kuler
Sketchcast
SumoPaint
Mixbook
Drop.io
60 Second Recaps
TypeWithMe
Bubbl.us
NoteMesh
Thinkature
Definr
MooURL
Bibme
Tokbox
Smart Tech
Tumble Books
Starfall
Snap Files
Edmodo
Stickybits
Wordle
Wallwisher
Big Huge Labs
Alice
Tumblr
Posterous
Evernote
Dropbox
Videos
digital_nation - life on the virtual frontier - produced by PBS Frontline, this documentary examines various aspects of online life from gaming to multitasking to modern warfare has become technology-enhanced as well as army recruitment methods.
TED Talks - Ideas worth spreading. Videos of presenters speaking on a variety of topics, for example:
Sir Ken Robinson making a very convincing case for creating an education system that nurtures creativity, rather than undermining it.
Sugata Mitra talking about how kids can teach themselves.
Rip! A Remix Manifesto - the world's first "open source" documentary created by filmmaker/Web activist Brett Gaylor. This film explores copyright issues in the information age and focuses on Girl Talk, a mashup artist who takes existing songs and transforms them into something fresh and original. Below is a trailer of the documentary:
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