The+Socially+Networked+Classroom

Session Description:
The socially networked classroom starts with a teacher who is socially networked. This session will help break down the mysteries of establishing what’s known as a “Personal Learning Network” (PLN). Thanks to the interactive nature of Web 2.0, teachers now have access to a virtual faculty lounge that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This session will demonstrate just how easy setting up a PLN can be as well as the advantages of taking part in one. Hands-on activities will also be demonstrated that can be used with students to help them navigate what it means to read and write in this new media age.

Drawing on 15 years of research, Dr. Kist will share examples of innovative assignments that can be used in any subject area and at any level of technical expertise. Examples will be provided of what socially networked teachers are assigning across the country and across the world. Uses of blogs, Nings, wikis, and Twitter will be featured in these lessons that unite classic themes and concepts with new forms of representation.

Presenter Bio: Dr. William Kist, Kent State University
William Kist, an associate professor at Kent State University, has been researching classroom uses of new media for over a decade. His profiles of teachers who are broadening our conception of literacy were included in his books, //New Literacies in Action// and [|//The Socially Networked Classroom//], focusing on the uses of Web 2.0 in the classroom.. Bill remains active as a new media artist himself. Nominated for an Emmy for music composition, Bill is developing his own screenplay, //Field Trip.// Bill blogs at [|www.williamkist.com], and he may be followed on Twitter at: [].