Comments on: Groups. Do We Need More? http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2006/12/30/groups-do-we-need-more/ Inquiry & Reflection for Better Learning Mon, 21 May 2012 14:53:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Richard http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2006/12/30/groups-do-we-need-more/comment-page-1/#comment-833 Richard Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:10:16 +0000 http://budtheteacher.com/blog/?p=455#comment-833 When is a molehill a mountain? I personally think there is a need and space for both--the more general and the topic specific groupings. Isn't a general grouping of educators a "specified" (niche) group unto itself? And aren't there a goodly number of topic specific issues that many others may not be interested in discussing? In my opinion and experience, the greater value of the WWW and blogs such as this one is to let its form and discussion drift to wherever the intellectual breeze takes us all. Enjoy the journey; I do. When is a molehill a mountain? I personally think there is a need and space for both–the more general and the topic specific groupings. Isn’t a general grouping of educators a “specified” (niche) group unto itself? And aren’t there a goodly number of topic specific issues that many others may not be interested in discussing? In my opinion and experience, the greater value of the WWW and blogs such as this one is to let its form and discussion drift to wherever the intellectual breeze takes us all. Enjoy the journey; I do.

]]> By: elementaryhistoryteacher http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2006/12/30/groups-do-we-need-more/comment-page-1/#comment-832 elementaryhistoryteacher Sun, 14 Jan 2007 14:34:18 +0000 http://budtheteacher.com/blog/?p=455#comment-832 This is a very timely post as I have been thinking about this movement of bloggers in general who seem to migrate from group to group. I was unaware of the groups you mention in your post and I'm grateful for the knowledge. As I read your post I simply thought about groups or communities outside of education that I have begun to communicate with. I love being a part of the education community of bloggers. I learn many things, I am able to reflect on my own actions, and learn that many times I'm not alone in my thoughts and feelings. I have become involved in a few groups that aren't education related to branch out, to bring others into the discussion regarding education. I also hope to teach others a little about history along the way. I don't necessarily think these changes are bad. In the nonblogging world we tend to move from different group to different group as the need arises. I see no difference in the Internet world. Things tend to move in cycles. This is a very timely post as I have been thinking about this movement of bloggers in general who seem to migrate from group to group. I was unaware of the groups you mention in your post and I’m grateful for the knowledge. As I read your post I simply thought about groups or communities outside of education that I have begun to communicate with. I love being a part of the education community of bloggers. I learn many things, I am able to reflect on my own actions, and learn that many times I’m not alone in my thoughts and feelings. I have become involved in a few groups that aren’t education related to branch out, to bring others into the discussion regarding education. I also hope to teach others a little about history along the way.

I don’t necessarily think these changes are bad. In the nonblogging world we tend to move from different group to different group as the need arises. I see no difference in the Internet world. Things tend to move in cycles.

]]> By: Maria Angala http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2006/12/30/groups-do-we-need-more/comment-page-1/#comment-831 Maria Angala Thu, 11 Jan 2007 04:00:25 +0000 http://budtheteacher.com/blog/?p=455#comment-831 Hi Bud. This is not my first time here. I've been watching (reading) from afar since I started blogging two years ago. Now I know why you're an admirable techie teacher, you're with the NWP *wink. I found your blog through Troy's and Kevin's links. I am Maria Angala, Tech Liaison to the DC Area Writing Project. - http://teachersol.blogspot.com - Hi Bud. This is not my first time here. I’ve been watching (reading) from afar since I started blogging two years ago. Now I know why you’re an admirable techie teacher, you’re with the NWP *wink. I found your blog through Troy’s and Kevin’s links. I am Maria Angala, Tech Liaison to the DC Area Writing Project.

- http://teachersol.blogspot.com -

]]> By: Carl Schmitt http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2006/12/30/groups-do-we-need-more/comment-page-1/#comment-830 Carl Schmitt Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:55:28 +0000 http://budtheteacher.com/blog/?p=455#comment-830 Cliques have always been a problem at schools but this latest debaucle out of Virginia is sickening. The Chesterfield County School Board voted unanimously to an art teacher <a href="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/offbeat/2007/01/va_teacher_fired_for_butt_pain.html#comments" rel="nofollow">because of the art he produced</a> . It's too sad... Cliques have always been a problem at schools but this latest debaucle out of Virginia is sickening. The Chesterfield County School Board voted unanimously to an art teacher because of the art he produced . It’s too sad…

]]> By: Nancy White http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2006/12/30/groups-do-we-need-more/comment-page-1/#comment-829 Nancy White Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:11:10 +0000 http://budtheteacher.com/blog/?p=455#comment-829 See also this blog post, which to me addresses why we sometimes seek belongingness http://sue.polinsky.com/?p=2698 See also this blog post, which to me addresses why we sometimes seek belongingness

http://sue.polinsky.com/?p=2698

]]> By: Nancy White http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2006/12/30/groups-do-we-need-more/comment-page-1/#comment-828 Nancy White Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:11:59 +0000 http://budtheteacher.com/blog/?p=455#comment-828 Some great these and issues surfacing here about: * openness * accountability to ourselves, defined set of "others" and the larger world * our ability to have relationships with X number of people (Dunbar number sorts of issues) * identity * affiliation * boundaries (usefulness/problems with) * expertise (usefulness of/abuse of) * learning * shared practice * inclusiveness * exclusiveness * personal preference of "containers" Every time I read (and tag) posts about the group/network dynamic I always have the "blind men and the elephant" image. There is this continuum in my mind between human interaction forms that can be used/abused in so many ways. Yet the distinction seems very important to us. I wonder why it is so important? I know I spend a lot of time thinking/writing about it and yet I'm not clear on why I find it so important. I'd be curious to know why it is important to all of you who have commented. Thoughts? Some great these and issues surfacing here about:

* openness
* accountability to ourselves, defined set of “others” and the larger world
* our ability to have relationships with X number of people (Dunbar number sorts of issues)
* identity
* affiliation
* boundaries (usefulness/problems with)
* expertise (usefulness of/abuse of)
* learning
* shared practice
* inclusiveness
* exclusiveness
* personal preference of “containers”

Every time I read (and tag) posts about the group/network dynamic I always have the “blind men and the elephant” image. There is this continuum in my mind between human interaction forms that can be used/abused in so many ways. Yet the distinction seems very important to us. I wonder why it is so important? I know I spend a lot of time thinking/writing about it and yet I’m not clear on why I find it so important.

I’d be curious to know why it is important to all of you who have commented. Thoughts?

]]> By: Jim Coe http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2006/12/30/groups-do-we-need-more/comment-page-1/#comment-827 Jim Coe Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:41:42 +0000 http://budtheteacher.com/blog/?p=455#comment-827 Bud and Kelly: I think groups are based on life experience. People are drawn to those who carry a similar set of experiences, so they can feel more comfortable, less guarded around them. This is a good thing. We need to be able to let down those emotional blockades that let us relax our minds, emotions, spirits. I believe these groups function in this way. In the same breath (I have huge lungs [wink]) this is not the only way to live. We all need to take the ideas we have nurtured in these groups and wrestle with them in the public forum. This keeps us accountable, helps us to stay sharp, and reminds us that we always have opportunities to be learners ourselves. Bud and Kelly: I think groups are based on life experience. People are drawn to those who carry a similar set of experiences, so they can feel more comfortable, less guarded around them. This is a good thing. We need to be able to let down those emotional blockades that let us relax our minds, emotions, spirits. I believe these groups function in this way.

In the same breath (I have huge lungs [wink]) this is not the only way to live. We all need to take the ideas we have nurtured in these groups and wrestle with them in the public forum. This keeps us accountable, helps us to stay sharp, and reminds us that we always have opportunities to be learners ourselves.

]]> By: Cheryl Oakes http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2006/12/30/groups-do-we-need-more/comment-page-1/#comment-826 Cheryl Oakes Tue, 02 Jan 2007 01:04:14 +0000 http://budtheteacher.com/blog/?p=455#comment-826 Hello Bud and all the discussion members, This is a happy problem. For so many years, teachers have been isolated in their profession either by virtue of being the only Art or French teacher in the building, or only 3rd grade teacher on their floor. Now by reaching out to the Internet each teacher can make a connection with someone who shares similar interests, quests, lessons, ideas, visions. I believe we are responsible for bringing along the next wave of educators. My hope is that we can provide as many inclusive options as possible. That is my goal. Thanks for offering me a chance to be part of this conversation. Hello Bud and all the discussion members,
This is a happy problem. For so many years, teachers have been isolated in their profession either by virtue of being the only Art or French teacher in the building, or only 3rd grade teacher on their floor. Now by reaching out to the Internet each teacher can make a connection with someone who shares similar interests, quests, lessons, ideas, visions. I believe we are responsible for bringing along the next wave of educators. My hope is that we can provide as many inclusive options as possible. That is my goal. Thanks for offering me a chance to be part of this conversation.

]]> By: Jennifer W http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2006/12/30/groups-do-we-need-more/comment-page-1/#comment-825 Jennifer W Mon, 01 Jan 2007 23:01:41 +0000 http://budtheteacher.com/blog/?p=455#comment-825 Hi Bud -- WOW (no pun intended) thanks for starting my new year off in deep thought. :) If I might, can I clarify that Women of Web 2.0 is NOT a group -- but rather a network of educators and users of Web 2.0 tools that have created a learning space to share ideas, goals, uses of tech, etc. Our mission statement clearly states that we are NOT just a group of girls but rather a network of educators and users. However, we did see, and do see, that the name can be misleading. In fact, we had quite a discussion of it over at World Bridges today (you might wish to listen to it!) I do respect your blog -- tremendously, and you have given me something to ponder in the next few days. Have a great new year -- perhaps you would like to join the WOW2 in a skypechat some Tuesday evening? Jennifer Hi Bud —
WOW (no pun intended) thanks for starting my new year off in deep thought. :)

If I might, can I clarify that Women of Web 2.0 is NOT a group — but rather a network of educators and users of Web 2.0 tools that have created a learning space to share ideas, goals, uses of tech, etc.

Our mission statement clearly states that we are NOT just a group of girls but rather a network of educators and users.

However, we did see, and do see, that the name can be misleading. In fact, we had quite a discussion of it over at World Bridges today (you might wish to listen to it!)

I do respect your blog — tremendously, and you have given me something to ponder in the next few days.

Have a great new year —
perhaps you would like to join the WOW2 in a skypechat some Tuesday evening?

Jennifer

]]> By: dave cormier http://budtheteacher.com/blog/2006/12/30/groups-do-we-need-more/comment-page-1/#comment-824 dave cormier Mon, 01 Jan 2007 21:47:53 +0000 http://budtheteacher.com/blog/?p=455#comment-824 fyi... the women of web 2.0 are talking about this right now... should be posted up soon. cheers. dave. fyi… the women of web 2.0 are talking about this right now… should be posted up soon.

cheers. dave.

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