professional learning
Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century

Twitter, blogs, wikis, social bookmarking and podcasts are a few of the latest trends in the world of Web 2.0 technology. Since many students are conversant in this world, teachers can use this technology to enhance the quality of instruction in the classroom.

On October 30-31, 2009, OTF, in partnership with the Educational Computing Organization of Ontario (ECOO), presented Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century: Extending the Conversation, a two-day workshop that provided a unique opportunity to work with Will Richardson. Richardson, a public school educator for 22 years and internationally respected author, is renowned for his work with teachers and students in understanding and implementing instructional technologies.

This two-day workshop had the dual focus of introducing social Web tools for learning to a new group of teachers as well as extending the learning of those who participated in introductory workshops earlier this year.

Participants from both groups will be shown how to join and engage in a virtual learning community (VLC) that will be supported by Richardson for three months after the workshop. In the VLC, participants, in a networked learning environment, will continue to deepen their knowledge of social Web tools in their own learning and to build connections with others, both inside the community and outside. In addition, Richardson will facilitate two
two-hour live Elluminate sessions online. The goal is a fully functioning community at the end of the three months.

The two-hour live Elluminate sessions with Will Richardson will take place on November 24, 2009, from 7-9 pm and on January 20, 2010 , from 7-9 pm.

Click here for more information about the program.