Reflections on Community

From LiteracyTentWiki


Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 1208] Reflections on Community
From: Taylor, Jackie jataylor at utk.edu
Date: Fri May 18 18:12:03 EDT 2007

PD List Colleagues:

This is a safe space to read and also to voice your thoughts and ideas. You should feel no guilt for joining us here - in whatever ways you define your participation. And ideas do not need to be fully formed before we "put them out there." I've often heard folks say that they are afraid to post, as if ideas automatically come fully-formed in our heads, complete with blueprints.

Words gain their meaning in their use; we shape, form, and re-form the ideas, together. In sharing ideas, we learn collaboratively, more than what can be accomplished alone. We build our relationships. They give our online community meaning -- you _give_ our community meaning.

While sometimes the discussions move fast, we can ALWAYS pick threads back up. They don't leave us; they become a rich part of the fabric and I need you to help weave them. I cannot do it alone.

Online learning is professional development. If you are looking for PD on this topic this weekend, here are some options..

You are invited to:

1) Revisit the archives this weekend. Find interesting posts. Reflect, reply:

http://www.nifl.gov/pipermail/professionaldevelopment/2007/date.html

2) Join us for a culminating synchronous event with the TESOL EVO Team on Sunday (5/20):
A. Online Calendar: http://tinyurl.com/ysob9j
B. Directions to sign up for the AALPD Group at Tapped In:

http://tinyurl.com/ytz38y

3) Visit the "Going the Distance" Wiki. Add print resources, favorite quotes on dialogue & community, tools for blending, and more:

http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/Going_the_Distance

And as always, please let me know what you learn.

All the best,

~~ Jackie Taylor, List Moderator, jataylor at utk.edu


Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 1212] Re: Reflections on Community
From: Thomas Nash tnash at windham.k12.me.us
Date: Fri May 18 21:29:39 EDT 2007

Very well stated Jackie.It's like having a genuine, lively, informal discussion amongst coleagues and friends. A vibrant community of leaners, much like our classrooms...

Tom Nash
Windham Adult Education Director
Windham, Maine