Richardson and Mancabelli make a great point in their first couple of chapters in their book. They discuss how there are big shifts in today's learning. Educators need to change with the shift, or else they will play and hindrance to their students' learning successes. Although, educators need to keep changing as education shifts, it has become much more easier and more self-sufficient to discuss and grow in your education and conversations with peers. Teachers can discuss with other educators about different practices that they have been using that have helped with their classroom. The authors listed multiple outlets that one can use to grow their personal learning network (PLN) such as Twitter, Diigo, Google Reader, Blogger, and Facebook.
I believe that schools need to utilize and facilitate learning and use of these networking tools so that they can reach more of their families and become more technology aware in today's ever-changing world. The authors mentioned seven common traits that schools immersed in global learning networks show: students better prepared for life, classrooms engaging, students responsible for their learning, individualized instruction, adults building problem solving strategies, safe students, and schools saving time and money (Richardson and Mancabelli, 2011). I believe that these traits are such positive traits, that the overwhelming sense that one may feel when starting this task is worth it. Our job as teachers, is to prepare students for life outside the classroom and for them continue their learning for the rest of their life. I believe that diving into PLNs to connect with teachers from all over is a great way to set students up for success. Collaborating with teachers, not only in your building but throughout the world is extremely important for your student's well being.
I have experienced a tremendous growth in my creativity as a teacher and my connections with other classrooms and teachers through PLN's. My favorite ways to connect would have to be through Twitter and Facebook. I found this article that has a comprehensive list of popular hashtags found on Twitter for educators. I have only recently started digging into my PLN's and I know I have a lot to learn and contribute, but I am optimistic of seeing the positive traits in my students and myself as an educator.
Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteThe seven traits mentioned by the author are key skills needed for students in the twenty-first century.
PLNs are a great way to set students up for success because teachers are able to collaborate with educators all around the world. I also think it is important for the students to create their own PLNs, so they can connect with other students. As a result, they will be more cultured. However, teachers and students should start building their PLNs domestically first and then once they have a better understanding of how they work, they can start connecting with others globally. By starting small, teachers and students will not feel too overwhelmed.
Your first paragraph is very important to read! Teachers need to be changing with education. I also agree with you about if teachers do not change they are not helping their students be successful in their education. We as teachers need to help our students be successful and they only way to do that is to keep up with the newest trends. I know when I went to school some teachers would always try to integrated the newest technology trend. Those where the classes that I paid the most attention in because I felt like they were connecting with my interest. I try and do this in my classroom today. My students love with I talk about their interest in a lesson. I can see them perk up and pay more attention to what is going on. Teachers always need to be learning the newest trends and interest in their students to make them successful in school.
ReplyDeleteKirsten,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I, too, have just recently really started getting into the PLN's and finding people to follow on social media. It is amazing how many educational resources are available through things like Twitter, Facebook, etc. I love the educational hashtags page that you provided. So many educators are doing great things, and it is important for us to all help each other. We are all in this career for the same outcome; to help children. Using PLN's allows for so much growth as an educator and provides great ideas to incorporate into your school and classroom.
RE: "the overwhelming sense that one may feel when starting this task is worth it."
ReplyDeleteI agree! This is one of the reasons that I love teaching this course. It is designed to break down the task of building a PLN into simple steps. This makes the process seem much more manageable. Sharing experiences with peer learners also provides support when you have questions. I am delighted to see that most students continue building their PLN and are active in social media's edtech circles long after the course ends.
Dr. Dell