An Online Learning Community That Works For Me

In looking at online learning communities, I have discovered one which serves all the needs I seem to know about right now. In other words, I am still learning about what I may need, or be able to contribute to such a community.

Learning Times.org is a community who's purpose is the interaction and networking of peers in eduacation. The community is broad based, encompassing every type and level of education. This broad base could seem too diverse to be effective, except it is well -organized, and gives lots of directives to follow ones own interest at a given time.

Virtually all possible interactions are available, including virtual meeting rooms, IM, virtual office suites, podcasts, webcasts, online interviews and debates, discussions, and international working groups.

These interactions support the goals and purposes of the organization largely by making membership and access to almost all offerings free, by including international component, by being broad based, and being easy to join. Services include notices sent via email (if one chooses) updating and announcing events. One can publish and share work, and can join small working groups.

One of the qualities that appeals to me is the use of audio and visual methods of communication. As an audio learner, I really appreciate podcasts. Another is the opportunity to collaborate in small working groups with diverse learners/educators. I think learning from our peers is a very important aspect of this level of technological learning. I am realizing more and more the importance of, and the breadth of, online learning community.

I have not had the opportunity to really make use of this community membership, but I have joined and intend to explore more deeply the possibilities and benefits of involvement.

One last thing. Learningtimes.org has a squirrel as its logo. Why? Because a member, who was involved in choosing the logo, had a significant learning experience with a student while chasing a squirrel together. The squirrel is a reminder that learning takes place inside and outside of expected and traditional modes. :)

Find LearningTimes.org at http://www.learningtimes.org/index.php