Thing 17: Nings and Microblogging

I was at once over and under whelmed when I first saw Classroom 2.0. I don't know what I expected to see, but I didn't expect to see blog posts (don't ask me why). That's really the only underwhelming bit. There was a wealth of info on that Ning, and I could easily spend hours clicking from one link to the next. I can't see myself managing a Ning right now, but I would like to join one. I didn't find a Ning that particualary interested me on the site. Of course I found some related to what I teach, but I would really LOVE to find one that is centered around drama education. I need resources and ideas out the wazoo for that since I'll be teaching drama for the first time next year. I did however pass along the link for the Caribbean Educators Network to a couple friends who hope to work in the Peace Corps in the Caribbean next year. I like the idea of groups of students from different parts of the world using a Ning to discuss their reading of a book; that's a super way to see other points of view. I just don't think I'm ready to head one up yet. I think I'll start with a Wikispace and go from there. Of course, I may change my tune after I've joined a Ning and played around on it a good bit more.

I was hesitant to join Twitter, just as I was with Facebook, but I've really enjoyed being on it and consider Twitter to be a part of my small little PLN. Like Facebook, I am using Twitter for the personal sector of my life. I don't really post things about school, teaching, technology, or professional development on it so I'm glad to have Plurk to fill that need. I could see my students using something like Shout'Em or Edmodo, but again, I'll have to play around with that more, too. I think microblogging sites like those for class would be more beneficial if every student had a computer or could use their cell phones during class. A big part of the appeal and purpose is the 'real-time' aspect of microblogging. If the kids have to wait for a computer or wait until they're at home to post a quick comment, then they might as well just be responding on a blog or wikispace, or even a VoiceThread.
On a side note, the idealist part of me really wishes that students could use cell phones in class from time to time. Since I've gotten my iPhone, I've used it numerous times during class to aid the lesson or instruction. I've even learned of a cool website in my Twitter feed and used it during the next class period. But then there is the realist side that knows the use of cell phones could be abused, so whattya gonna do?

And now as my social networks keep expanding, as well as my list of usernames and passwords, I have to figure out what hat to wear at what time and how I can streamline or if I should streamline at all. This will be a good task for the months to come, I think.

Photo courtesy of David Spender on Flickr