I have to admit that it is pretty cool when someone you don’t know appreciates your thoughts. Rhonda Jessen, a fellow etmmoc participant,  posted “Rhizomatic Learning–Thanks to my Weak Links” and referenced my “Like Bamboo” post. I don’t even know how I came across the post–something called a trackback/pingback.  LOL I am clearly an etmooc and blogging newb!

Rhonda referenced a lot of peoples’ post Cormier blogs but she said “And Jillian Walkus posted Like Bamboo…, which although short is probably my favourite.”

Flattering ? Yes.

Motivating? Yes.

Learning opportunity? Most definitely!

I have read Rhonda’s post (did I mention I love seeing my name ?) and followed the links to Kirsten Tschofen, Claire Thompson, Micael Buist, @jenze44, April Hayman and @Edu_K that Rhonda referred to in her post.   @Edu_K wondered “Can we breed a successful hybrid between the two creatures–the formal classroom garden and the internet wilds?”  I can only counter with further questions:  Is the formal classroom really a garden?  What do we want to nurture and grow?  Claire Thompson asks  “Are there areas of your curriculum that are amenable to rhyzomatic learning?” I have read many others’ reflections and  realize that there continues to be more questions out there than answers. This is a good thing.

I replied to Rhonda and now follow her blog.  I posted some replies on a few of the blogs that Rhonda mentioned.  The most effective blog postings were the ones that asked a question or made me reflect on my own practice–note to self.   I have moved to a place of sharing and connectedness.  This is a good thing.

I really appreciate that Rhonda referred to us as “her weak links” and even that my post was “short”– I can work on these. I endeavor to become “stronger” through this process.  This is a very good thing.