1.1.2 Joining a digital learning community

Ok.  So here is my list of five

1. Tufts OpenCourseware.  I thought this one was really neat because I like the idea that you can do online coursework for universities.  It is really just a representative of all the online universities out there such as phoenix and others.  I specifically like the DLC's that allow students to self pass which allows for faster progression through material.

2. Edmodo - This is currently used by my kids and me in their school.  I chose this one because I like the integration possible between teachers, students and parents.  It also allows for feedback from teachers and in theory transparency in what is being done in school.   It is described as being a safe Facebook for children within a class however, I have so far not really seen it being used as a social sharing forum to   promote group closeness.

3. Lionbrand yarn - I actually love this DLC.  They have seasonal knit or crochet projects.  It allows for users to work towards the same goal while also having a weekly post created by the instructor discussing troubles in certain areas of the projects and instructions.  A few years ago I made a beautiful afghan called the twin trees for a neighbor of mine.  If I had not been a part of their online project I would certainly have failed as I needed the guidance.

4. Wikiversity.org - I thought I had heard of everything wiki but I loved this site when I came upon it.  I especially love how there is a featured project.  This is a unique DLC in the sense that those who are just interested in exploring a wide variety of different subjects.  I would say this is like learning just for the sake of learning.

5. DigitalLearn.org - This community had introductory videos which was a little change from the others I had seen.  Also, this one had name recognition.  The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is amazing.  I have taught at a title school that was fortunate enough to receive money from them which was invaluable.

Participate 1.1.1 Character Traits Quest

My first objective:  Create a blog post which describes the three most impressive character traits of an exemplary citizen within a digital learning community.  

My three are:

One:  Digital Etiquette - specifically be kind to others, respect others and 

Two: Safe us of digital materials - this might specifically refer to the idea that the internet is a public forum and when you post a picture   it is there for all to see.  Equivalently, if you wish to cite information from the internet you should be aware of the validity of the source and give credit to the proper source.

Three :  Regular Access to online materials

In reviews of the recommended literature I felt that the first website of the ISTE Standards for Teachers obviously grasped a guideline which I might consider more of a "moral" perspective.  This is seen as points one and two.  

While a few of the others based on more concrete concepts to society as a hole and access to internet services.  I might state that these other resources almost bring up the question of the have's and have nots.  The idea of access to resources.  However, in America today one might state that internet access is a foregone conclusion since it is provided for free via the library, schools and even some welfare programs.  It is a citizens desire to participate and be involved that more clearly differentiates the idea of an "exemplary" citizen from some one who simply chooses not to engage.  

My one year old hard at work in 2004.

Just Started

Hello,
  This is a new blog I have created in an effort to try to obtain a position teaching online mathematics.  This is ME.  Well, me 2 years ago.  Can't seem to find anything more recent.