Intrepid Classroom

We seem to have some interest in this classroom, but like all classrooms it may be a good idea to set up some procedures and guidelines so that we can have the most productive use of our time.

I do not want this space to turn into a place where I, the teacher, simply lecture to you. Although I have many things to share and many stories to tell, I hope that this can be a place where the students who come here, will raise the questions they want answered, and I will simply help them find out how to find the answers.

After all, the search for answers is the very foundation of education. Having said that, it is very important that when you participate you have something concrete to say. A few things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure you have a clear question or topic you would like to explore.
2. Raise a series of questions you want help answering.
3. Give some feedback on why this topic interests you.

Remember that we are hoping to build a community of learners here who can help each other. This not an Ask Jeves style search engine with me acting as Jeves. We want this to be a place where we, the participants, communicate and learn from each other. Because after all, any one can type in a query into Google or read a Wikipedia post and get a sense of what they are looking for. We are here to discuss and share ideas not accumulate facts!

Also, while I have your ears or is it eyes, let me warn you about a few things:

• I like to write and can be verbose. I like to use words and am not shy about pushing the boundaries of your vocabulary (for Middle School students.) So look things up!
• I have a prejudice for topics related to social justice, peace and environmental activism, and music/art so I will often steer your topic into these fields whenever given a chance. This is a good thing trust me.
• I expect students who want to participate free of rewards and grades, so this is a great experiment: Can we build a community of learners who are here simply to exchange ideas with others?

Okay enough warnings! Let’s get started:

A few topics that are floating around the comment box are journalism, poetry, and sustainability. I want to ask the people who inquired about these topics to sit and think about what it is you really want to explore about these topics. I have a lot to say about all three, but I will wait till I hear from you before i continue.

Which brings me to the final procedure. I will try and post daily in one way or another here at Intrepid Classroom. I do not expect participants to do the same, but it would be great if you could sign up for a RSS feed or sign into Google Reader and make sure you are aware when there is a new post. Like any classroom, it would be best if we had a group of studnets who participated regularly, and didn’t just drop in whenever they felt like it.

If you are not sure how to sign up for a reader account, please ask. Another aspectoif this class is to learn-how-to-learn. We will be using many Web 2.0 tools, so if you are confused about any of them then ask and we will walk you through it.

I think that is it for now. Oh wait! Homework time. Please tell your friends who may be interested an let’s get a few more students enrolled. Also we had 85 hits yesterday and only eight comments, so if you stop by leave a comment and get involved. This could be the best class you have ever taken!