Collaborative teacher networks

Collaborative teacher networks are online teacher communities which are designed to open communication channels amongst teachers on any topic. Some of these topics can include:

• What's an effective method to teach this specific topic?
• How do I integrate ICT into this subject / topic?
• The sharing of best practices
• The sharing of difficulties / problems that are being experienced and the offering of potential solutions
• Etc..

Review the two articles below which will shed some light on the advantages of getting involved with collaborative teacher networks.

Have a look at the videos below. Although during the EduSkills OECD video they are talking about collaboration within a school, and the Michael Fullan video focuses on inter-school collaborations, let's take that further and apply these advantages and ideas to an online collaborative teacher network. 

Have you engaged with any online collaborative teacher networks? If not, have a look at the few examples listed below and take the leap and start collaborating online! (to access the site just click on the logo)

 eTwinning is an online network that creates a platform to collaborate with teachers all over Europe.

 

 Scientix is an online European science education network.

Some portals, like the two below, are online community resource portals - where teachers from around the world can view and / or share their resources.

Merlot is a teacher education community portal where you can 'use the learning materials, submit your own modules and assignments for evaluation and comment and rate the materials in the collection.'

OER (open educational resources) is a worldwide movement which has, at its heart, the belief that it is a basic human right that all people have access to high quality education. A huge number of resources are freely available online. We encourage you to explore what's out there.

Have you explored what teacher networks are available, for example, on Facebook? Here are a few that are out there! Conduct your own search and see what you can come up with? Also look at other social media platforms such as Pintrest and LinkedIn.