I would benefit from blogging if I could connect with other Pre-K teachers. Is there a way to use your site in such a way? Also, my campus uses a direct instruction curriculum that I have mixed feeling about. I am interested in communicating with other professionals who have used or are using a DI curriculum, such as Language for Learning.

I would benefit for making contact from other 4th grade teachers who teach Math and Science, so we can share ideas. I would love to share teaching strategies.

I would like to be able to learn more about technology and how it can be used in an authentic, as well as cost efficient way with intermediate and middle school students. I specifically teach general music right now for grades K-6, but am really looking for more ideas of what to use with my 3rd-6th graders.

Hi Amy,

Thanks for your suggestion. Later this year, we will introduce online community tools that will create easier ways to connect and share ideas with other Edutopia.org users by grade level and discipline. We'll pass along your request to Betty Ray, our online community manager, who is soliciting recommendations for initial group topics.

I have been reading a lot lately about mobile learning, m-learning. It would be wonderful to brainstorm some concrete examples of how to make classrooms more mobile. Is anyone doing anything exceptional with iphones or the like?

I am also interested in connecting eductors for professional development through collaborative social networking sites. Edutopia is a great example of a large-scale network. I am wondering what people are using with success for smaller groups of teachers- NING, Moodle, Wiki, Google Groups, etc.

Thank you for all of the great resources!

Carrie,
Later this year, we will roll out improved ways for the Edutopia audience to connect with one another to find and share tips and techniques for integrating technology in education, expanding project based learning, etc. We are also in the early stages of improving the way content can be accessed by grade-level. In the meanwhile, one recent resource that might be helpful is a set of brief video clips about how new media can be used in the classroom: http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-new-media-classroom-tips

Thanks for your comment. It's very helpful.

Hi Andrea -

Thanks for your note. We are in the process of building out a tool called Groups which will allow Edutopians to connect with each other over a variety of topics. Pre-K teachers, and direct instruction, would be perfect topics for groups. I will definitely add them to our list!

I saw your post in my blog as well. For those who have not yet seen this, you can post group suggestions in this thread, too.
http://www.edutopia.org/group-topic-feedback

Thanks so much!
Betty Ray
Edutopia Community Manager

Hi Paula -

These are great ideas. We will add m-learning to the list of groups.

Also, by way of smaller networks, we hope the groups allow people to collaborate and communicate on a smaller scale. The groups software keep discussions focused on the designated topic, and participation is limited to those who are actually in the group. It's free and super easy to join. Were hoping this creates lots of smaller networks within the Edutuopia site.

Thanks for the comments!
Betty Ray
Edutopia.org
Community Manager

Hi Andrea,

Later this year, it will be much easier for you and others to connect with one another and discuss topics of interest. For now, the best way to make these connections is via our comments or on our Facebook page. Our team is developing the tools as quickly as possible as you and others have been asking for the ability to connect and share questions and solutions. Thanks for your support, Cindy

A free site www.readinglogs.com allows students/teachers to create and submit Readinglogs and Vocabulary Cards online. Cuts down on paper usage in the classroom. Ideal for grades 1-6.
Parents need not worry about lost/misplaced reading logs or vocabulary cards anymore!