Making the Connection

This past month has flown by so fast, and I can't believe that it's already October.  It just seemed that yesterday was the start of the Reflective Teacher Blog Challenge ... I've become so used to reflecting on various topics that last night I felt that I was missing out on something.  The great thing is that with the month of October we get to move into Connected Educators Month.  I'm sort of stoked about the ability to develop my PLN and brush up on my communication skills.

So as it turns out, blogging continues this month, but it may not be on a daily basis.  There will be at least one blog per week, because for Connected Educators Month, Thursdays have been designated for a blog reflection.  Yay!  This week's post topic was the following:

What does connected education look like?

When I think of the responses that could be used to address this question, I begin to realize that education is composed of multiple facets that are so interconnected.  The field of education relies on teachers and students connecting on a level that allows both groups to develop their kills and knowledge.  Connected education is based on COMMUNICATION.  Without the ability to communicate with others, we can never truly develop into the individuals we see ourselves as or aspire to be in the future.  Simply put, connected education is understanding that we can all learn from each other: teachers, students, administrators, and all those out in the world.

An education system that is connected with a community and parents allows for students to develop a stronger relationship outside of the classroom, but is still foster a learning community in the school.  Relevance is key in having students "buy into" the idea that their education is valuable and necessary.  I don't know how many times teachers have heard students say, "So, when am I actually going to need this?"  I think that when educators and students can make connections with the outside world, they are showing the value of an education as well as "keeping it real."

Ultimately, connected teaching relies on the teacher being open to the idea that there are others out in the world that may be of some assistance.  For too long have teachers relied solely on their skills as educators to determine the course of the classroom development, and it's about time that we look outside our classroom door for additional resources.  The amount of knowledge that is out there is up for grabs, and it's necessary that teachers begin to take advantage of making valuable connections with their colleagues, students, parents, and community.

-A