Mike+Cournoyer

=My challenge:= ESSENTIAL QUESTION: Ho can I use a Web 2.0 tool to allow faculty members to share information and opinions and solve problems like an OPEN FORUM?

GUIDING QUESTIONS:
 * Which tool would work best for this challenge?
 * How will teachers be alerted to new topics as they are posted?
 * Are there "widgets" that will allow polling of participants?

CHALLENGE: Create a community using a web 2.0 tool such as a social networking site that allows teachers to:
 * state problems or questions and solicit feedback and answers
 * share their opinions in a secure environment
 * poll other members of the school community
 * share positive news and celebrate successes
 * govern or police the content that exists there

= = =Description of the challenge and link:=

I've decided to use a Ning to meet the challenge as described above. The Ning (such that it is) can be accessed at: http://hollistonhighfaculty.ning.com/ Please don't judge me on what's there now... :-)

= = =Personal reflection on the process of developing the challenge, learning and implementing the new technology:=

I explored both Wiki and Ning for the purposes of meeting the challenge. I settled on Ning because of the ability for teachers to start new "discussions" within the network. Once I've had more time (this summer) to flesh out the site, I will roll out the tool in order to start using the forum as a tool for collaboration. One challenging task will be entering everyone's email addresses in order to invite them.

= = =Impact on student learning:= A more organized faculty meeting, including mostly teaching and learning topics and solutions, will allow teachers to be more effective in their classrooms.

Criteria for Success:
 * robust utilization by teachers
 * teacher satisfaction with the forum
 * impact of tool(s) as solutions to problems