Being Thankful for the Ability to Openly Network

I am nearing the end of a two week cycle facilitating for a connected learning MOOC with the Tar River Writing Project, and one of the questions one of our participants asked has got me thinking.  +Regina Love asked a great question about what we will do when technology crashes.

While I don’t have the answer to that question, I think it leads us to a great discussion on why we use technology even though it isn’t always easy. One of our connected learning principles this week is the concept of open networks. I have technical difficulties from time to time, just like anyone else, but I’m so grateful to have access to the technology that allows me to link up with people I might not otherwise meet, so if one technology crashes, I try to find another (or unplug, wait ten seconds, and start over). Google Plus, Facebook, Edmodo, Digital Is, Edutopia, Twitter. These are all places to network with other educators, students, parents, anyone. We can openly share our thoughts, our makes, our ideas, our feedback. 

This week, we’ve been making user guides in our MOOC, and some people have shared about how they need more guidance when it comes to technology, while others have shared that they love it to the point of distraction.