In our graduate course on the fundamentals of technology for educators we have been taking a close look at the 21st century student and the consensus is that because today’s students are “always connected,” they should also be called “networked students.” As a teacher I would like to think that I am a 21st century teacher who’s connected, but in comparison to the true 21st century student, I’m not even close. I would like to introduce you to a group of teachers who are the epitome of the 21st century networked teacher, and as a matter of fact their organization name even contains the word network. Let’s take a look at the Discovery Educator Network, also known as DEN.
First, if you haven’t seen Wendy Drexler’s video called The Networked Student, then you need to take a look at it for yourself. Please view the video below.
That’s pretty amazing, isn’t it? Now I’d like you to see some actual DEN members describing their organization. Take a look at the video below.
These people look like normal, everyday people don’t they? They are, and they are all teachers who belong to the DEN. By now you must be wondering, “What is this DEN, and why are these people so passionate about it?” The DEN is a “global community of educators passionate about teaching with digital media, sharing resources, collaborating, and networking” (“About the DEN,” 2010). Use the link below to access the official DEN website where you can find out even more about this dynamic group of educators:
Once you are on the site you will see all kinds of links to information on the organization. Don't plan on making your first visit a quick one, because there is a lot to see. Below are a few of the links to different resources on the DEN website. Use them to take an initial look around:
So do you think you'd like to be a part of this connected group of educators? Guess what? If your district is using Discovery Education Streaming like we are in Clay County Schools, then you are already a member of DEN. All you have to do is start utilizing this website. This is probably a site you will want to bookmark, and when you log on with your Discovery Education username and password, you'll be able to view additional DEN resources that aren't available to those who aren't members.
If you're an educator in the Clay County School System and you're not sure of your Discovery Education username and password, you can see your school's media specialist for assistance. If you don't work in the School District of Clay County, Florida, then you should see one of your school administrators to find out if your district uses Discovery Education Streaming.
For additional information, or if you have any questions, please contact me at rpaine@mail.clay.k12.fl.us and I'll be glad to help out.
Next week this blog will introduce the STAR Discovery Educator and it will explain how you can become a "STAR" yourself.
References:
About the DEN, (2010). Retrieved from http://community.discoveryeducation.com/about.cfm
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