With educational networking, you have access to a 24×7 online experience not unlike the connecting and sharing that happens face-to-face at conferences. But now, geography is no longer a constraint, critical mass of interest needed is lower, and time and cost to participate are significantly more affordable.

Here’s a great new white paper, “Educational Networking: The Important Role Web 2.0 Will Play in Education.” It was developed by our own Social Learning Consultant Steve Hargadon, who is also the founder of Classroom 2.0. The paper discusses social networking, Web 2.0, the emergence of educational networking, and its adoption for personal learning.

It also looks at how our LearnCentral social learning network for educators is taking educational networking a big step forward.We invite you to become part of the educational networking revolution. It’s free to join, and you get a free personal meeting room and access to a free public conference room for larger events.

- Beth, Elluminate Goddess of Communication

For me it means that it’s critical for educators to get on the bandwagon for using Web 2.0 and online collaborative technology–like Elluminate Live! and our soon-to-be launched LearnCentral social learning network–or get left in the dust.

If you’re going to NECC, stop by our booth #3542 to learn more about LearnCentral, as well as new enhancements to the Elluminate Learning Suite, like best-in-class breakout rooms.

Elluminate aside, there is so much wonderful educational technology out there, it boggles the mind! Now, I have to admit, all this blogging and twittering stuff put me off at first, but I’ve grown to understand the power and benefit of it. The same is true of tools that are designed to transform teaching and learning. So my advice, is to just jump right in. A good place to start is LearnCentral, where you get a free vRoom when you join. Tours will be starting next week.

- Beth, Elluminate Goddess of Communication

Here is their wish list. Let’s see how many Elluminate can address.

1. Un-tether learning and leverage mobile devices to extend learning beyond the school day and
meet all learners in their own world. CHECK

2. Create new interactive, participatory learning spaces using such tools as online classes,
gaming and simulations, online tutors and virtual reality environments. CHECK

3. Incorporate Web 2.0 tools into daily instruction, especially those that develop collaborative or
social-based learning and provide unique opportunities for students to be content developers. CHECK

4. Expand digital resources in the classroom to add context and relevancy to learning
experiences through new media tools. CHECK

5. Get beyond the classroom walls and make learning truly experiential, such as using high-tech
science instrumentation and creating podcasts with content experts. AND CHECK

Looks like we are on the right track for the digital advance team. Your wish is our command!

- Beth, Elluminate Goddess of Communication

Elluminate Community Partners, including Classroom 2.0, Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC), and the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), have integrated Elluminate vRoom™ into their online communities, providing thousands of members with access to a virtual meeting room that enables them to expand educational boundaries and interact with more peers and experts. Learn more.

Get ready for EDU 2.0!

And keep on Elluminating!

- Beth, Elluminate Goddess of Communication

Then I saw this eSchool News article today, which opened an entire new can of worms! Entitled “Digital Debate: Prepare Kids for Exams or Life?” the article discusses the 21st Century version of the open-book exam. The question is: should students be able to use digital devices when taking tests? Read article here.

Looks like we need some serious discussion on the idea that the definition of cheating needs to be changed for today’s digital generation. In preparing students for life and work, is it more important to evaluate their ability to gather information than to memorize it?

As enabling technology transforms teaching and learning, must it also transform assessment as well? What do you think?

Keep on Elluminating!

- Beth, Elluminate Goddess of Communication

We’ve always been very proud of the awards we’ve received. But here’s a first! Susan Nash Smith, the eLearning Queen, has bestowed us with one of the inaugural Corgie Big Bark Awards that recognize innovations in eLearning. Bow WOW!

- In The Royal Treatment: Education Product Reviews and Interviews, Ken Royal presents a You Tube video with our own Gary Dietz demoing Elluminate Plan! at NECC 2008.

- Rod Murray of Thomas Jefferson University interviews Gary about our flagship Elluminate Live! products and our new Elluminate Next> bundle on Rod’s Pulse Podcast.

As you can see, the classroom is not the only thing going virtual!

- Beth, Elluminate Goddess of Communication

To help you get started, here’s an interactive recording from an Elluminate webinar, “Using New Technology, 3D Gaming, Simulation, and Virtual Environments in eLearning.”

Here’s another webinar recording, “iTunes U as an Exciting Learning Tool,” that explains how to leverage the popularity of podcasting to enhance learning.

These technologies are way cool, but I don’t suppose anyone says that any more!

- Beth, Elluminate Goddess of Communication

Over the past 15 months, traditional classrooms across three continents have come together, using Elluminate Live! software, to brainstorm, present, and implement projects that help address critical social issues in local areas, such as climate change and poverty reduction. The program is called Fire and Ice , and it was recently profiled on CNN.com (“Children Plan for Planet’s Future”).

Using a simple computer, projector, webcam, speakers and microphone, traditional classrooms in Canada and remote locations in Brazil and Africa, were given a “window to the world” to showcase their creative projects to combat climate change. Projects included organic gardens, litter prevention programs, and campaigns to control CO2 emissions from idling vehicles parked in front of schools.

The interative classroom series also featured remote guest speakers, such as social entrepreneur Dave Irvine Halliday, co-founder of the Light up the World Foundation and a scientist from world reknowed Suzuki Foundation, who inspired the students that individuals can make a difference in driving social change.

And yes, Elluminate Live! really does work on slower Internet connections. A school from the tiny village of Massambara, in a remote, rural area of Brazil, was able to collaborate effectively with the equivalent of only a 50 kbps dialup connection. “Elluminate built a bridge for us,” said Massambara teacher Janice Gloria Terra Passos, “to take our project out of the school, to the community, to the country…to the world.”

- Stace Wills, Elluminate Director of Corporate Development

Speakers included Robert Scoble (blogger extraordinaire) and Chris Heuer (co-founder of the Social Media Club). And two panels covered launching social media campaigns (lively interaction) and shared social media case studies (great examples).

Presentations, video, and audio are available for your edification and enjoyment. Check ‘em out!

One of the conference partners was Social Media Club Phoenix, which has a blog and wiki, of course! These local organizations are a great way to get together with other enthusiasts for a lively discussion about all things social media.

 And one last thought (shameless promotion, actually). I’m thinking that web collaboration tools (like Elluminate Live! and Elluminate vRoom) would be a great additions to your social media toolset. Offering online access is also a good way for social media groups to get more attendees at their meetings and events.

- Beth (Elluminate “Goddess of Communication”)