I just finished reading The Connected Educator: Learning and Leading in a Digital Age* by Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach and Lani Ritter Hall. This book really spoke to me because it reinforces my thoughts on learning and professional development. The authors were quick to point out that we have entered an age where we can learning virtually anything, anywhere, and anytime. They also actively supported the ideas presented by Dewey and Lindeman — learning is a social activity. Ideas must be developed and presented to others so that feedback and critique can strengthen or improve the ideas. Read more ( )

The Connected Educator examines and explores the ways educators can use their surrounding landscapes--including the landscape of technology and social media--to re-envision what happens inside schools and classrooms. You'll learn that in order to reclaim the power of your own professional learning, you must first create a connected learning community.

"Connected learning is collaborative learning that flourishes and thrives in a collaborative culture. That culture develops deep and meaningful human relationships with colleagues that enable us to...create a better learning experience for students." (Nussbaum-Beach & Ritter Hall, 2011, p. 54)

This professional resource is terrific for school librarians, teachers, and educators. It's message is intended to support the growth of professionals-as-learners as we move deeper into the digital age of education. Sound theory and practices are given towards building, establishing, and maintaining a collaborative and interactive culture. Numerous digital tools and theory are suggested to help create classrooms that are dynamic and technologically integrated. Roles are defined and supports are laid out in terms of the evolution of teaching and learning. This is a great book to improve confidence and leadership to apply to 21st Century schools and learning communities. ( )