Tim Holt’s new post — “Ballad of a Frustrated Staff Developer” — has stirred lively comment at our Voices from the Learning Revolution group blog. Tim, an IT leader & tech integration specialist in El Paso, Texas, was letting off some serious steam when he penned his poetic plea DO NOT TELL ME. He recounts many “excuses” he’s heard from teachers about why they can’t more fully engage in shifting their instruction to meet the needs of 21st century learners. Read Tim’s post, some thoughtful pushback, and a supportive reply from PLP leader Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach.

Among other work, Getting Smart is helping raise the voices of classroom teachers and school leaders (including several PLPeeps) who are champions of student-centered, technology infused teaching and learning. We asked editorial director Sarah Cargill to tell us more about Getting Smart, its content and goals, and the kinds of writing they’re interested in publishing from “smart teachers.”

As technology expands exponentially, says Web 2.0 expert Nancy Caramanico, today’s school leaders need to be well-acquainted with the wide array of dynamic communications options at their fingertips.

The 2010 National Education Technology Plan demonstrates the importance of educators becoming more connected to resources, tools, colleagues, experts, and learning activities, both within and beyond schools. Participation in online communities of practice is a key way educators connect. Robust online participation contributes both to individual excellence and to the vitality of the profession as a whole. The Connected Online Communities of...

PLP co-founders Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach and Will Richardson talk about their five-week Leading Edge Boot Camp e-course and how it can help education leaders not only understand 21st Century technologies that challenge traditional curriculum and pedagogy but how savvy leaders can use digital tools and connectivity to expand learning opportunities and assure all students thrive in the new millennium.

My e-course “Teaching Online: Becoming a Connected Educator” is for anyone interested in teaching an online class. The teaching might be associated with a pre-service or graduate level college program for educators — or in a college or K-12 virtual school setting with students. We’ll be looking at how you, as an online instructor, can use the power of technology to create connected learning activities, design your syllabus, and craft ongoing assessments that really unleash the learning of your students.