One thing I am really bad about is contributing online. I read articles and blog posts and form ideas, learn something, or connect a new idea/view to something I have heard/read/seen/done before, but most of the time I keep those thoughts to myself rather than share them with anyone. I know that this may not always be the best method because teaching is about sharing and learning and well...teaching.
However, I found a blog that talks about the benefit of being a "lurker." Steven Anderson suggests that in order to add to our toolbox for learning we don't necessarily have to sign up for twitter or make a blog or contribute, but we simply have to search and read and find out what others are saying. Sure, it helps to join in and by doing so we add to the value of the learning experience but contributing does not gauge learning and practice.
Anderson says, "So, maybe instead of encouraging (pushing) others to contribute to blogs and tweets and ideas, maybe we begin by having a conversation about the value of lurking. Show there is value in what we have here and in other social networks by encouraging others to get connected and take from the network. That just might lead to the growth of our networks."
I like this. After reading this blog, I would have to consider myself a lurker. Like I said, I like to read what others share and I do learn things from them, but I don't contribute a lot of the time.
However, after reading what Anderson had to say, I am no longer comfortable with being a "lurker." Anderson says "It is difficult to learn if no one shares." I want to help others share. Part of being a teacher is leading in the profession (NCTCS 1c). We can't lead in the profession is all we do is lurk and read what others post. Another aspect of being a teacher is functioning effectively in a complex and dynamic environment (NCTCS 5c). While lurkers can function in this environment by investigating and considering new ideas, I think the best way to function in this complex environment is to contribute and be a part.
What will you be?
A lurker? or A Contributor?
The choice is yours...
Leslea,
ReplyDeleteI agree that a PLN can hugely enhance your teaching skill set. I'm glad you mentioned this, because lately I've been "lurking". Sometimes it's good to sit back and watch others' ideas, but sometimes it's your turn to share out. Good post!
Leslea,
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post for me to read and a great reminder of just how important a PLN is in teaching. Educators should work together and be constantly throwing around ideas off of one another to better their instruction for their students. We learn best not from the textbooks we read, or the lectures we hear, but mostly from experience and through others. This tends to be a challenge for me and I hope to grow in this area within this next semester!
Leslea,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog! I think it is great that you included this about the PLN and "lurking". I know that I am bad about "lurking" and not encouraging other to be connected. I'm bad about myself sometimes. I need to be more active on twitter and respond and communicate with other teachers. Great post!
Great post this week Leslea. I know that in some of the twitter chats I have entered, I wish I hadn't. It is of course a great idea to look and see what the topic is before you announce your presence and then realize you have nothing to contribute. I don't think people care, but....on the other hand, I think when we add something, even a little something, we can really benefit. This could be in the form of disagreement or challenge as well as confirmation or agreement. Stepping out of our comfort zone will help us in the long run. Just like our quiet and shy students, we need to teach them to it is ok to be wrong and do not be afraid to try.
ReplyDelete