Stirring Up the Dust

Where do I even begin?  Yesterday was a day of learning for me.  Let me preface this post by saying that over the weekend I bit the bullet by joining Twitter (a post on this is coming), finding some people to follow, and settling in to watch the action.  I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but so many people in my blogosphere had raved about Twitter that I had to check it out.

One of the first interesting things that happened was Chris Lehmann’s tweet that he was going to UStream his presentation at the T+ L Conference in Nashville.  So, I decided to check it out.  What did I have to lose?  So I clicked on the link and lo and behold, there I was in his presentation in Nashville, TN.  I could see his computer screen and participate in the backchannel as well.  He alternated views between his computer screen and a shot of the room for those of us in the chat.  Chris was speaking on 21st Century Learning, but honestly the chat in the backchannel  had my attention.  I have to admit, being a visual learner it is hard for me to stay focused on the “talk” from the presentation when I can read the “talk” in the backchannel.  You can visit his wiki with presentation information here.

I participated in a minimal way in the chat.  I still feel like such a newbie that I’m sometimes intimidated to throw in my two cents worth.  But , oh, what validation I feel to have someone agree or build upon what little I toss out there.  It’s quite humbling and yet exciting to be a part of it.  There I sit absorbing it when into the chat room come David Jakes, Will Richardson, Mark Wagner, and many others whom I have come to admire and respect via the blogosphere.  I was a little starstruck to say the least. 

The power of the network amazes me!  One tweet enabled me to connect with some of the most recognized names in the business.  I can sit at my computer in small town Alabama and still be a part of some powerful stuff.  Why?  Because of the network!  The network allows us to keep our finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the world of educational technology.  And in case you don’t know it, it’s changing and growing at a phenomenal rate.

 Last night I once again set out on a new learning adventure…I joined up with the Women of the Web 2.0 for their chat with David Warlick.  It was another learning experience, but I’ll save it for another post…I’ve stirred up enough dust already!

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