Personal Learning Networks - Because You Can't Possibly Know Everything On Your Own

Maybe you're superhuman, but I am not capable of being an expert in everything education-related, completely understanding topics from multiple perspectives, or keeping up-to-date with education and education technology without a little help.

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In 2007, I started using social networks such as Classroom 2.0 and Twitter to learn from and share with other educators. What I have learned is immeasurable. I learn from educators from around the world. I have people I can go to when I need ideas or perspective on issues. I know educators I can call on when I need examples. I communicate and collaborate with people who have helped make me the educator I am. The learning never stops. It can't if you are going to be an effective educator who is doing the best for students. Start with maybe a Twitter Chat like the New Teacher Chat (#NTCHAT) or California Ed Chat (#CAEdChat). You might be surprised at where those conversations and new knowledge may lead you.

For this blog assignment, read the following and consider the resources shared in class about parents and social media. Write about your reaction to the idea of social media in education. What are the pros and cons. Consider how you and/or our students could use it as learners.

• Can Tweeting Help Your Teaching?
• Teachers, Students, and Social Media: Where is the Line?
• The Advantages of Twitter in Education
• 13 Great Twitter Chats Every Educator Should Check Out

Accessibility and Digital Equity - Giving ALL Students a Chance to Participate in Digital Learning

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It isn't enough to provide accessibility in the classroom for students who need it. We need to
provide equal access to our online education work as well. Read the following article and consider the content and resources we discussed in class. What did you already know about this topic? What have you learned? How will you ensure online accessibility for all your digital content?

• AIM for Digital Equity

Back in My Day...

“I've come up with a set of rules that describe our reactions to technologies:

1. Anything that is in the world when you’re born is normal and ordinary and is just a natural part of the way the world works.
2. Anything that's invented between when you’re fifteen and thirty-five is new and exciting and revolutionary and you can probably get a career in it.
3. Anything invented after you're thirty-five is against the natural order of things.”

― Douglas Adams, The Salmon of Doubt

I've been reading all of your blog posts and I have been impressed by the thought put into your posts and responses. Many of you made comments that made me think of the above Douglas Adams quote. We all have some experience with technology, but aren't completely sure about newer technology uses such as social media.  I'm looking forward to how those ideas change (or don't) as we continue in the class.

Your Journal Assignment for tonight is  ISTE's Leading and Learning magazine. The article is "Should Students Use the Internet While Taking Tests?"  Is this something you had ever thought about? What are the best ideas from each side? How do you feel at this early point in your career?

Who Are You Online?

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Having an online presence is a part of almost everyone's life today. What will people find if they look you up online? Is it different from what they would see if they met you face-to-face? While some facts or facets of your life may not be revealed on a resume or in an interview, they may be found online. Organizations and businesses today use the Internet to find out more about the people they plan to hire or do business with. Read each of the articles below on this topic. What do they have in common, what is your reaction, and how does this impact what you need to do now to have a positive digital tattoo? What steps will you take for yourself.  What steps will you take to in working with students to help them build a positive image?

• What Kind of Stuff Do Employers Search For When I Apply for a Job?
• The Online Activity That's Keeping You Unemployed
• They Loved Your G.P.A. Then They Saw Your Tweets

Community Question: What website would you hate to live without? Why is it so important to you? Tell us in the comments.

Where Did I Put That?

Image - Pixabay.com

Organization is absolutely critical to success as a teacher. You are going to end up with a multitude of documents, images, videos, spreadsheets, forms, and other before you even start teaching. Being able to locate them when you need them is key. Develop a system and stick to it. I use multiple storage options including Google Drive, Dropbox,  district share files, Diigo, Pocket, Flipboard, and Evernote. The tool I use depends on the type of data I need to save and what I plan to do with it. I don't recommend you starting out with quite so many storage locations! Your flash drive, Diigo, and Google Drive are great starting points for now.  You might also consider Dropbox as a back up for your flash drive. You get 2gb free to start and can access your files anywhere you have Internet access.

Community Question: What's your favorite "Teacher" or "School" movie? Why?