My ConnectEDucator Journey

I created this video as part of an online class I'm taking for my CSUCI's Masters of Education program. The challenge this week was to show how I've become a connected educator and the value of developing a PLN over the course of this class. In order to demonstrate mastery of this challenge, we used Adobe Spark to create a video. This is FREE video creation tool. Check it out below:

When I first enrolled in this class a few months back, I thought I was pretty "connected." I used the Internet to find great resources and followed teacher blogs. But since then, I have learned that there are so many ways I could connect with other educators around the country.

For example, through the use of a blog, educators can communicate their ideas, stories, lessons, etc. Although I had considered starting a blog years ago, I never quite got around to it. A few weeks ago, I created and started this blog in order to share how I implement technology my classroom.

This blog is also a way for me to interact with the adult world. As a teacher and parent, we are around children all day! Of course, I love every moment, but there are times when having an adult conversation is necessary! Having a blog is a way to communicate with other teachers and share thoughts and ideas when it's not physical possible. At night, once the day is over and my own children are asleep, connecting with other educators is a way to feel like I'm a part of another community. My goal is to continue using blogs well after this course is over. I hope to have more time in the future to follow other educators' blogs, as well.

Another way to develop a personal learning network is to connect with educators through Twitter. Interestingly enough, I had created a Twitter account years ago, but I didn't know what to do with it. I had 0 followers and I followed no one. I had no idea the Twitter could be used as a resource for educators. I started using Twitter and I am now I’m following about 35 people and 14 of them are following me. As of today, I have tweeted 23 times. My goal is to get on twitter at least once a day and look at tweets from other educators and colleagues. Another goal is to remember to share my own teaching experiences using Twitter with others.

My exchanges on Twitter have been so useful. My favorite members include +Alice Keeler and +Google for Education. Because I use Google Apps for Education in my classroom, these members have provided many tips and shortcuts that I've already used. I've recommended them to my colleagues as well. In addition, I've also enjoyed following +Edutopia and +Teaching Channel because they provide links to excellent educational articles on topics such as 21st century teaching and learning. Twitter provides a fast and easy way to know about current information and what these organizations are publishing online. If I see something I'm interested it, it's just a click away.

I have also joined 4-5 Twitter chats which I found very helpful and engaging. I again, had no idea that educational chats on Twitter even existed. The educators in the chats were positive, respectful, and I learned many new ideas. My goal is to continue to participate in them as often as possible. My favorite thus far is #21stedchat and #caedchat. You can check out the official Educational Chats calendar here. I also enjoyed using TweetDeck to manage my Twitter categories, like the search results and hashtags.

During Twitter chats, I was able to use Pearltrees to curate the resources that others' mentioned. Pearltrees is a visual and collaborative curating tool. This tool has helped me organize my interests in educational topics such as project based learning and technology research. I have 7 collections and have pinned about 30 pinned resources. The best part of this tool is the ability to connect with others. This is valuable when you're working with classmates or colleagues on a project, lesson plan, or assignment. I wish I knew about this great management tool prior to this class.

In just in the last few months, becoming a connected educator has had a huge impact on me. One big idea is I've realized professional development and growth does not have to just come from within my own school site. I've used social media to connect with others and have gained so much already. In fact, I now feel it's more important to see what other educators around the world are doing and what educational strategies, tools, and resources have worked in making student success. I've learned about their different perspectives, as well those of my colleagues in this program. I love seeing how a school just 30 minutes away from mine is so different, and yet, so similar as well.

Next, I've really enjoyed the time I spent developing my PLN. Working on my blog and learning about all the new technology has really helped me focus on myself as an educator. I feel that a lot of the learning I've done in my Masters' program has been about teaching and students. For example, we have learned about assessments, instructional strategies, approaches to teaching, strategies for success, etc. However, becoming a connected educator has focused on me AS a teacher and person. I feel that it's developed a totally different part of teaching, one that I have neglected for a while!

I'm so grateful for the experiences I've gained in such a short time! Overall, I feel more confident in my abilities to navigate the digital world and truly do feel more connected. I am more willing to jump in and learn about other social media applications and tools. I know there is lots of room for growth and I look forward to continuing to learn more and more each week!