I met Theresa Allen around October, 2012. She was the first person from the Hello Little World teachers skypers who agreed to have a short meeting to explain to me the mechanics of the group. Then we realised we had many things in common. For example we were collaboration believers and mothers of three children. However I am here to reflect on her sesion at the Flat Classroom Conference in Hawaii.
To begin with there are many opportunities for the English Language Teacher if they want to collaborate either asynchronously or synchronously, whether you have the technology or not, because it´s not about the technology anymore. It begins with a teacher whose instinct tells her that there is a potential for learning in connecting her class to another one, and then the road begins with small steps, as the ones she made, first by trying to explain to the authorities of the institution where you work that there was nothing wrong with it, then by figuring out a way to find your partners and finally polishing out the details of implementing a project. You would say that my friend knows how to solve all the technology problems. The truth is this: Theresa believes in the power of doing things together, she goes around it with a curious mind and success finds her working hard. By success I don´t mean, as she said "flashy" success, but the satisfaction of seeing your work done. I know that the work of teachers like Theresa is done mostly in the silence of the time between family meals and going to bed when the house is quiet. That´s how passionate educators find their way out of the daily problems.
Flat Classroom Conference ning.
Theresa´s session at the Flat Classroom Conference, Hawaii 2013
Maria - thanks for the wonderful reflection! Our passion leads us to make things happen; the trust from our colleagues and administrators make it happen as well. I am very fortunate to be a part of the Hello Little World community and to know someone as passionate as you! :)
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