Learning IS Social...Connecting and The Power of the Network!

Today, I was listening to NPR, when the announcer mentioned that coming up on Science Friday, there would be a discussion with author, Matthew Lieberman regarding his new book, Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. I was intrigued, as: 

• It is Connected Educator Month and it sounded like it would provide scientific research behind the importance of connecting.
• Provide support to those who believe "learning is social."
• Provide support for Connectivist MOOC experiences, like Open Online Experience (OOE13), which I have been participating in.
• Provide good background for my TIES session in December!

So I sent out this tweet:

I enjoyed the segment and took some notes that will be useful. Then the following happened:

It's not every day that you hear a segment about a book that you are interested in, and a half hour later you're having a dialog with the author. That is the POWER of being connected! 

I am definitely interested in reading Lieberman's book. I think it has great implications for classroom teachers, social learning and connectivist MOOCs. Here is his TED Talk on "The Social Brain and its SuperPowers"

The great thing is, I'm not the only one of my colleagues who had an experience like this today!  Valley View Government teacher, Erik Anderson had his question answered by Historian Michael Beschloss on "Tweet the Press!"

Additional support for the value of being a connected educator!