CONNECTIONS
Connecting the past, present and future through teaching, learning and technology.
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Connections?
After much thought and consideration I decided on naming this blog – CONNECTIONS. Originally I was going to try and tap the people in my PLN for ideas and suggestions, but the word connections just kept coming to mind for the last week or so. After all when it is all said and done teaching boils down to making connections, right?
I like it because it’s open for interpretation and can mean many different things to different people. I like CONNECTIONS because we are connecting in so many different ways on different levels. We are connecting to each other through the internet on social networks like Twitter and Facebook. We are connecting face to face at conferences. We are connecting to our students – we need to get to know them so we can reach them. We need to connect our students with the content we teach – often times students ask “Why do I need to know this stuff? – how is this going to help me?” We need to connect our students to what is happening in the world currently so that we can hopefully prepare them for the future.
CONNECTIONS is simple yet all encompassing. I just hope it is not too generic or cliche. Is this a good name for an educational blog? Ok – so I am still asking for ideas and suggestions from my PLN after all 
July 16th, 2009 at 2:33 am
Love the name! I created a Ning for the parents and teachers of my school and I used “connections” in my title as well. It encompasses what you have been focusing in on with your PLN. Enjoying your blogposts.
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July 16th, 2009 at 2:46 am
Short, sweet, easy, and valid. I like it. So far I’ve noticed that 90% of what I’ve done with my PLN has been simply making connections…
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Mr. Schrage Reply:
July 16th, 2009 at 2:51 am
Thanks Ryan! It is the simplicity of the name that really kept me coming back to it.
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July 16th, 2009 at 2:47 am
Thanks Donelle! You have always been very supportive. I wonder how many other people have blogs or NINGs named CONNECTIONS?
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jennifer Reply:
July 21st, 2009 at 3:42 am
What is a ning?
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July 16th, 2009 at 2:59 am
Sounds perfect! It is the root of what social networking and online learning can offer at its best. Even if there are other “Connections” blogs out there – yours will be at the top of my list!
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July 16th, 2009 at 3:02 am
Great name, and great idea for content. I think you’re onto something here. I look forward to watching this progress.
Chris
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July 16th, 2009 at 3:23 am
Kelly & Chris – Thanks for letting me know what you think. I hope I can keep up with this and provide posts that people will find useful. I’m also hoping people won’t be afraid to offer suggestions for improvement.
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July 16th, 2009 at 3:59 am
Great name! Connections are what a PLN is all about; the more connected you are the more opportunity to learn. Connections are also what we ask our students and ourselves to make between new and previous knowledge, and we rely on connections between the synapses in our brains to facilitate those knowledge connections.
And, of course, you are making connections to your readers and we are richer for it.
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Mr. Schrage Reply:
July 16th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Deven – I forgot about the synapses in our brains! This is a prime example of how making online connections with other educators can help us grow professionally – Thanks man!
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July 16th, 2009 at 4:06 am
I am so glad that you decided to name your blog on your own. While your PLN would have offered some great suggestions your blog is such a personal thing. As you write more you will see how it becomes part of you—part of your identity.
The name Connections is not too simple. There is absolutely nothing simple about connections. Now that your PLN is expanding you will start to see some of the same people start popping up all over the place….Skype, Facebook, Nings, etc. The more places where you have connections the greater the chance that an exchange of learning will take place. I have found that the more connections I have with people, the stronger our connection is. One of the things you need to prepare yourself for is meeting so many of the people from your PLN in person. As your mentor I will do my best to help prep you for it, but it is something that really almost defies description. Just ask Donelle, Ryan and Kelly. The connections you are going to make this year might end up being quite meaningful. Be prepared for that.
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July 17th, 2009 at 2:31 am
I echo the sentiments here. I call my blog series “The Connected Community” for just that reason. Everything we do out here is about connections. We connect people and connect people with ideas and connect our ideas with our actions
I think it’s perfect for your blog!
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July 17th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Pattern recognition is indeed the essence of education. Have you looked at @Angelamaiers things about schema theory?
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July 21st, 2009 at 2:16 am
Jason,
Great name. As you said, the name lends itself to different interpretations. As a fellow middle school guy, it would seem that 95% of my day is spent striving to achieve connections – content to real life, student to teacher, social studies to math, etc. Then when we migrate to the digital realm, we are doing the same.
Again, I’m really looking forward to grabbing on to the hem of your cape and hitching a ride this upcoming year. I’m just hoping I can stay float in the wake! Talk to you soon.
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