:What no one knows yet…

 The concept of social bookmarking is new to me and carries powerful implications for me professionally. Social bookmarking can be used as a tool for my students to use in their learning, for me to use as their facilitator, and for my own long-term professional development.

I can envision using social bookmarking extensively in my future high school current events class. As the facilitator in the room, I might develop a series of on-going tags students could use as a reference source, while having students add bookmarks of their own. I envision the course content developing as a collaborative project involving me, the students, and any outside resources willing to contribute something meaningful. Truly, a current events class does not come with a textbook. Hence, the opportunity for a non-linear collaborative curriculum is exciting. Students and I could filter through information and identify common areas of interest via tags. Indeed, the act of tagging an article is an act of evaluation and comprehension. A class based on what students are interested in and researched by students. Constructivist learning driven and led by students.

Perhaps the above scenario is a bit utopian or even Montessori-like, but the possibility in our corner of small town America is exciting. Equally exciting is Open PD. I’ve only recently become aware of this professional development movement. The concept is invigorating. As this course progresses, I will work to develop my del.icio.us, pageflakes, and google reader to reflect the on-going development of my professional practice.

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