Community of Practice-CoP-initially when I read the term, I thought it was an updated version of the PLC-professional learning community, and I was skeptical. However, while listening to Underhill and Wenger, I began to see the CoPs in which I participate.

Teachers have a way of organizing their professional social worlds in formal and informal manners. I have shared and received some of the best ideas I have implemented while talking in the hallway, chatting at the copy machine, discussing lessons over lunch, and in more formal structures such as collaborative meetings. Wengar said the CoPs, “establish on-going relationships among people who have potential of helping each other when needed---a ready set of people to turn to.”

My immediate CoPs have a habit of changing, depending on the department in which I am working. However, having connections with multiple CoPs has enabled me to combine the resources from the different groups and help me in my capacity as Teacher Coach or Administrative Designee or Local Education Agent or teacher.

My future with technology-I am fascinated to see where I can and will go with it. At the beginning of the Joint Doctoral Program, I was not looking forward to diving into all the technology we told we would learn about/access.  Though I approach technology with apprehension, I am looking forward to learning more about what is to be found and utilized.

Recently I signed up with Edmodo. On Edmodo, educators share ideas, lessons, teaching practices with each other; teachers communicate with one another in their own school district and across the state; teachers can set up their class so students have access to materials. It is just one example of the resources available and it is powerful. Little by little, I am becoming less afraid of that which is foreign to me and actually enjoying the exploration.

LinkedIn, twitter, blogging, I am not all that comfortable with, however, given time it is definitely possible...and likely.