Hi, for my project I am thinking of a academic/professional hub for teaching residents, teachers in the induction phase of teacher education, and novice teachers. So often students in teacher education programs as well as new teachers in the classroom feel alone and overwhelmed. This hub will be a place where residents can read or post article, share lesson plans and content information. They can post job opportunities, blog about experiences and post job opportunities.
I originally started using Google + as a classroom hub and then expanded the community to include former students that were either still in Induction or novice teachers. I am thinking of perhaps using perhaps Commons in a Box but am open to suggestions for other platforms.
In the past I thought about something similar but focused on bridging the gap between research and practice. I envisioned a space where teachers can access research to solve specific pedagogical issues that they may have in the classroom. Often teachers do not have the time to read through new research, and as such a resource that would give them a take-away which could be applicable would be helpful.
Thanks for your input Sakina, That was something else I thought about. I haven’t quite worked out the kinks. Maybe you want to work with me?
Tracy-
Doing this as a Commons plug-in seems like a really great idea! The way you’ve described this support network seems like something the school is really trying to foster (with the Teaching and Learning Center as a key example). At the DH talks yesterday, a student from Fordham, Boyda Johnstone, talked about how she has worked on building this sort of support network through blogs (hookandeye.ca) and with the twitter hashtag #tacitphd, and there is definitely a need for this sort of safe space for non-competitive sharing.
Looking forward to seeing the idea come together!
-Jojo
Thanks for your input Jojo, I have been struggling with whether or not this is a worthwhile undertaking. I won’t know until I speak to the people though. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say and build accordingly.