The number of online networks for teachers has been growing over the past year, and thousands of teachers have rushed to join as they seek out new resources and professional contacts (and a bit of group therapy perhaps) to help them be more effective in the classroom.
ASCD launched the latest of these networks recently, called the EDge. The forum will allow members (after free registration) to post messages, upload or access video and audio resources, share lesson plans and blog items, hold real-time chats with colleagues, and rate content and products featured on the ASCD site.
I know that these networks tend to develop loyal followings and can lead to lively and continuous discussion about the range of issues facing educators today. I’m just wondering how teachers decide which, and how many, of these networks to join.
Can someone enlighten me on how to evaluate these networks and decide how your time is best spent? Are we reaching a critical mass of these networks yet, or are there more in the works?
