Mr. Higgins’ Blog

At the k12 online conference, Julie Lindsay discusses the idea of a Professional Learning Environment in her presentation.  I am a believer in an environment like this which provides links, content, and discussion that is involved in the learning process.  I run my school website using Drupal, a content management system, which gives me many great features including an easy to use web interface and student blogs.  However, there are a few challenges that get in the way of completely utilizing the professional learning environment in the classroom.

1. Content Filtering blocks many websites such as deli.cio.us and nearly all wiki environments.  My own website which contains blogs and wikis.
2. School administrators who do not support nor know anything about these technologies.  Therefore, teachers are not given extra time for the preparation of these technologies or training.
3. The on-going education of teachers in Web 2.0.  I feel that I have bought into Web 2.0 and understand SOME of the in’s and out’s of the technology.  Teachers who have shown even the slightest interest in blogs, wiki, other other technologies are intimidated nearly immediately because they feel you have to be a computer expert.

I will continue to think about ways to change the mindset of others in education.