Over the past 10 years, access to the internet has expanded dramatically in schools, homes and communities. While early internet access was limited, today's internet allows for rich social interaction and collaboration through technologies like social networks and Web 2.0 tools. Research shows that students are using these technologies extensively for social and educational purposes outside of classrooms. However, many teachers have not adapted their instructional practices to incorporate these new technologies and ways students interact online. Effective 21st century educators need to embrace technology, use collaborative tools, and engage students in higher-order thinking to prepare them for learning in today's digital world.

1. In the past 10 years, Web access, the nature of the Web, and contexts for learning have been transformed, along with the emergence of desired technological competencies for learners, teachers, and administrators. Internet connectivity in schools, homes, neighborhoods, and communities has become increasingly pervasive. Since the mid-1990s, the percentage of public schools connected to the Internet exploded from 35% to 100%.(Greenhow et al., 2009)

2. A Network of Learners Michelle J. Gibson Herman

3. The Beginning Face-2-Face Environment Facilitator focused Limited to brick and mortar First generation Web or Web 1.0 was limited in access Information only (read only) Not interactive

4. Currently Face-to-face classrooms Facilitator focused Technological advancements Social interaction amongst groups Blended classrooms Allows for collaboration of ideas Ability to have face-to-face contact Online classroom Incorporation of social networks Participation in various Web 2.0 environments Global community of learners

5. Three C’s Essential for the21st Educator

6. What is Current Research Finding with Current Instruction Levin et al. (2002) surveying 3,000 public school students, identified a “digital disconnect” (p. v) between students and their schools, with students claiming their teachers had not yet shifted their teaching to respond to the new ways students communicate and use the Web beyond their classrooms. National School Boards Association (2007) reported that students’ online sharing in social network sites involves education and learning. Sixty percent of students surveyed reported using their social network sites to talk about education topics.

7. Research Questions What is the learner participation and identity as it relates to competencies, practices, and policies of learning institutions? Is the way information that is being delivered virtually, quickly changing and affecting the way learning is being learned? What value does the facilitator provide in the way learning is being learned?

8. My Research Interests Technology driven future Interactions of learners and facilitators using: Cloud Computing Social Operating Systems Relevant Delivery System Learners Educationally beneficial Ease of access and content Facilitators Effective communicators Effectively guide and direct collaboration amongst groups

9. Application: Research to Instruction Computer Applications Methods Core fundamentals Keyboarding Office Suite Inclusion of Web 2.0 tools Technological devices Interactive whiteboards Tablets iPods others Accounting Methods Core fundamentals Technological devices Inclusion of Web 2.0 tools Student Portfolios Example: http://sites.google.com/site/gibsonhermaneportfolio/

10. Preparing the Future Teacher Needs to embrace technology Needs to incorporate collaborative tools Relevant to learner of today Preparation: the tools of a successful facilitator of learners Needs to continue to incorporate fundamentals into curriculum Needs to engage learner to higher level of thinking

11. Key to the learning process are the interactions among students themselves, the interactions between faculty and students, and the collaboration in learning that results from these interactions. ~Palloff and Pratt. Questions?

12. References Greenhow, C., Robelia, B., & Huges, J. E., (2009). Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship in a Digital Age: Web 2.0 and Classroom Research: What Path Should We Take Now?. Educational Researcher, 38, Retrieved June 19, 2010 from edr.sagepub.com/cgi/content/ful/38/4/246?ijkey=V3cfgimrwwqew&keytype=ref&siteid=spedr Levin, A., Madden, M., Macgill, A. R., & Smith, A. (2002). The digital disconnect: The widening gap between Internet-savvy students and their schools. Washington, DC: Pew Internet and American Life Project. Retrieved June 19, 2010, from www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/67/report_display.asp National School Boards Association. (2007). Creating and connecting: Research and guidelines on social and educational networking. Retrieved June 19, 2010, from www.nsba.org/SecondaryMenu/TLN/CreatingandConnecting.aspx Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K., (2007). Building Online Learning Communities: Effective Strategies for the Virtual Classroom (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.