The document discusses the benefits of using social networking and online collaboration platforms like edWeb for educators. It finds that 61% of educators are already using social media platforms like Facebook but that there is no common platform for educators and students. EdWeb aims to be a dedicated education-focused social network for collaborating, sharing resources and best practices, creating online professional learning communities, and gaining experience with 21st century technologies. The document shares examples of how educators are using edWeb for these purposes and outlines some key features of the platform.

1. A sponsor of the

2. To help educators use new collaborative technology to improve teaching, and to experience how these tools can be used to make the learning process more engaging and collaborative. To break down silos in education between classes, schools, states, countries, and all stakeholders at all levels of education. A “social network” for education

4. Have you joined a social network?

5. Are you on Facebook?

6. How often do we get a crystal ball?

7. edWeb created in 2008

8. Research: Who’s joining social networks?

10. 61% of educators surveyed already belong to one or more SN websites

11. Facebook has highest membership

12. 76% of Facebook members seldom or never use it Weekly or More Monthly Periodically Seldom/Never

13. Concerns include privacy, lack of time, email overload and restricted access.

14. Educators more likely to join a site dedicated to education

15. Educators who have joined a social network are more positive than those who have not

16. Educators see value of using social networking

19. ©2009 MCH Growth of education networks

20. edWeb is a free professional social network

21. edWeb is focused on collaboration

23. Models and Best Practices

24. Amy Anders House Principal Atascocita High School Humble, TX I am 49 years old and have been in education 27 years. I am a school administrator at Atascocita HS as well as the program director for A Career in Teaching-EPP in Humble, Texas. I love working with students and teachers and helping people reach their goals. I am thankful to be chosen for this grant and for having EdWeb as a means of teaching and learning for aspiring new educators. edWeb Innovation Grant Winner

25. A Career in Teaching-EPP We use EdWeb as a means of collaboration so that we are all connected to the learning topic and are able to post discussions, web links, and assignments. No longer is the learning solely between the teacher and student...the learning is between all of us on our edWeb Community site. One of the number one attributes companies and organizations want in an individual is that he/she can function in a team/community. edWeb has given us the modality to build community and capacity with all of our members. Many of our teachers candidates and our interns (1st year teachers) have expressed their appreciation for having a site like edWeb as a tool for growth and learning.

26. Kelly Daly Assistant Principal Banning Unified School District Banning, CA This is my fifteenth year in education. As a teacher, I taught Reading, English/Language Arts, and Computer Literacy (networking, web design, productivity tools, etc.). During my time as a teacher, I completed my Masters degree in Educational Technology. I have also been a high school assistant principal and am currently completing my doctoral dissertation on the institutionalization of educational technology in middle schools. edWeb Innovation Grant Winner

31. Join the Curriculum Improvement Conference Community Join at www.edweb.net/cii

32. www.edweb.net

33. Join edWeb at www.edweb.net/cii For information or a copy of our research: [email_address] Lisa Schmucki, Founder and CEO 800-575-6015 ext 100 [email_address] Send me a message on edWeb!