Great discussion so far - and some interesting places and spaces being identified. I'm recording all the links we're identifying via del.icio.us using the tag 'teacherconnectkickoff'.

Today we've got a bunch of TAFE elearning Gurus in the room, helping us to kick off the teacherConnect Project. It's great to have them all down in the Gong with us to talk about the issues that we're going to be addressing in the coming months.

Check out the Slideshow of pics from the day.

Teacherconnect: Connecting the knowledge of the networks for teaching, learning and living online.

Welcome to our teacherconnect blog...

Coping with change & keeping up to date:

In today’s world of education the ability to respond creatively to new challenges, learn new technical skills and keep up to date with constant change is demanded of all. The teacherConnect project is about networking with other educators and sharing ideas with creative people.

From the Head teacher to the student those who are part of a learning network of peers and mentors are at a distinct advantage in dealing with these challenges in both their careers and education. The project is funded by Learnscope 2006, this blog is used for professional development. It will be used to showcase and publicise:

• Professional development events across VTE organisations and online via the teacherconnect event calendar.
• Showcase and review excellent education organisation, project and class networks.
• Promote innovative teachers and what they are blogging about for education.

We want to collaborate on developing learning outcomes for a Networked Learning Pedagogy and showcase the professional development possibilities and innovation between teachers and education organisations at a national/international level; great teaching and learning examples, effective pedagogy and engaged students.

Education networking:

Teacherconnect is all about supporting education networks, fostering the creation of networks, organisation networks, project networks, class networks and promoting exisiting education networks which are:

• creative
  
• open
  
• playful
  
• flexible
  
• encouraging to thinking outside the box.
  

In particular teacherconnect is about utilising technology to network and learn from other teachers, Teaching, Learning and Living online. This blog will be used to showcase excellent education networks, for example Learnscope projects: Connected Learning Community, eCommunicate, Tourismhospitalityed and online education groups such as TALO.

Professional development:

The teacherConnect project will promote professional development events which encourage beginners who just want to ask the web 2.0 gurus; how do I podcast? Use a blog? Use RSS? A group for all levels who can support inspire and show us examples of what is possible, and how we can drive to manage change through networked learning.

Check out a teacher new to using technology describing her Teaching and Learning Resource Unit PD experience.

The teacherConnect vision

A friendly open global network of educators who aim to foster and want to support each others professional development, to make sense of the rapid changes in technology for teaching and learning.

If you would like to be involved email us or visit the teacherConnect Wiki for more information.

Warm regards,

Steven Parker
Teaching & Learning Resource Development Administrator
TLRU- TAFE Illawarra Institute