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.