EdTechTrek

I simply love it when my students inspire me to write. This semester, my students have dived right in to blogging and are really beginning to understand the reflective and connective power of the medium. This is not always apparent for many first being exposed to blogging, so I take my hat off to them.

One student in particular shared a high school science blog that she discovered that resonated with her, as she is preparing to be a HS science teacher herself. But, after visiting that blog, both she and I discovered a quotation that I think really embodies the big idea behind Web 2.0 – a concept that is really not that easy to define. So, I’ll share it with you:

“HE WHO LEARNS FROM ONE WHO IS LEARNING,

DRINKS FROM A FLOWING RIVER.”

-NATIVE AMERICAN PROVERB

I don’t know about you, but for me this has been what Web 2.0 has been all about… finding and connecting with folks who are themselves learning, and being inspired and informed by the river that they are part of. I think that the Web 2.0 community is this “river” of information and ideas. Those who choose to swim in it are greatly empowered as learners. Those who cannot swim can learn, as my students are learning. Those who refuse to swim will continue to drink from more stagnant waters.

So, to those who can’t swim: You can learn,… drink, share, participate, contribute, collaborate, be inspired, inspire others, grow,…

To those who won’t swim: Best of luck to you.