a network for educational conversations: Fireside Learning

[Connie Weber]

Hello Ning Fans,
I too am completely sold on what nings can do for our professional learning. Here's an invitation to check out a network based on educational conversations. We talk about educational news, views, questions, philosophy, pedagogy. We discuss books, articles, events... music education, science education, all subject areas, how to blend subjects, education policy, educational politics, coaching, developmental issues of child-raising. It's a smallish network, about 200 people; and on the network we get to know each other over time. There's a good diversity on the network, including administrators, educational technologists, teachers, parents, college students, professors. If you like to think through what's going on in education, what's going on that's positive, what's going on that needs to be repaired or redirected, stop on by and look at what's being talked about. If you like what you see, join!
Connie Weber
http://firesidelearning.ning.com

[Steve Hargadon]

Just wanted to give my wholehearted endorsement to Connie's site--and to her! :)

[Ed Jones]

And mine! I've been visiting & contributing for about 6 months, and there are some rather cool conversations going on about the profession of teaching, be it in the classroom or in Congress; about how teachers organize and learn, about who is not learning (and not graduating), moth wings, eating insects, and more.

Connie is right--its still a very personal community, where you get to know people well. And we need some more people to know!

For my part, I'd certainly love to see some more high school teachers, and students of education (esp. grad students & young faculty) on there. And everyone else!

[Connie Weber]

Thank you so much, you guys! Just saw your replies today. Steve, you started it all, with the fabulous CR2.0. I just love the synergy that's flowing now... so many ways to connect. Good thing--there's a lot of work to do out there in the educational world. A tall order indeed.

Ed, thanks for the note! Thanks for your many positive contributions to Fireside... you've made us more aware of what's going on in Washington, and always, always, kept our eyes focused on those who get neglected in education. Yes--more HS teachers. Yes, on Fireside I'd like to see more grad students! I'd also like to have some college students in the mix--asking questions about the profession, telling about what has worked (and not worked) for them.

Nings hold so much potential. They're so easy to use... the possibilities are endless. Just think of all these communities sprouting up. Isn't it a great age to be alive? I'm so thankful for all the opportunities. Participation on educational networks has lifted me up and out of my local educational habitat, given me colleagues from all over the world. I love the power and energy we find through joining together in purposeful ways to make a difference for people's learning.