Web 2.0 and Professional Development

Donna Desroches responded to Will Richardson and Rob Mancabelli's podcast on the use of social technologies in schools by echoing the 3-fold elements:

Educate teachers as to what the technologies are – that is, give them the very basics of social software: blogs, wikis, social bookmarking, etc. When providing examples of blogs don’t use educational sites. Use blogs that reflect individual hobbies and interests such as politics, business, and sports. They suggested using LibraryThing to introduce people to a social space and the sharing and connections that occur based on a common interest.

Invite participation but let teachers decide their own path to using the tools. Encourage people to read, comment, create and connect to follow their personal passions. Keep in mind that there is no one path for individuals to come to use the tools.

Nurture application of these tools as teachers begin to use them and support them even when the application is used for a personal interest.

As in everything about learning, Head, Hands, Heart, may be all it takes.