With Thanksgiving in our review view mirror and 2014 quickly coming to a close, I took some time to reflect on things I am thankful for this year. Towards the top of that list is my PLN! Technology is rapidly changing. I frequently get asked, "how do you keep up?" or "how do did you know that?" It's a huge compliment for folks to think I have all of this knowledge, I try to keep up the best I can, but really I'm only as smart as my PLN and who I am connected to (and I'm a pretty good Google searcher). I have been fortunate to get to form relationships and friendships with some amazing educators to help provide solutions, suggestions and challenge thinking. I try to return the favor because together we are smarter and can't know everything about everything.
I was reminded again by Jeff Utecht this fall, "learning is social" and by Rob Mancabelli, "educators need to be 21st century learners." Social media can be a means to accomplish both of these things! Here are three of my go to places for seeking advice, to ask questions or for new learning and challenges! I use each tool a little bit of a different purpose. There are others out there too, like Facebook and LinkedIn, but here are my top three at the moment.
I was reminded again by Jeff Utecht this fall, "learning is social" and by Rob Mancabelli, "educators need to be 21st century learners." Social media can be a means to accomplish both of these things! Here are three of my go to places for seeking advice, to ask questions or for new learning and challenges! I use each tool a little bit of a different purpose. There are others out there too, like Facebook and LinkedIn, but here are my top three at the moment.
Twitter is an oldie, but a goodie for me. It was a new year's resolution that stuck! I follow a number of educators, professional organizations and conference hashtags to see what others are sharing and talking about. I share when I come across a new blog post, resource or idea. I have a core network I follow. I take a look at Twitter when I know I have a some time to spend reading and exploring. It may not be part of daily in my routine, I try to get on a few times a week. I don't read every tweet that comes in, but use my lists to check out what others are saying and follow the #chats. The audience widens when you throw in a hashtag. I was looking for a classroom to connect with, threw it out there with #edchat and in no time was able to find a few!
#comments4kids - See Gina Roger's blog post to learn more about how to use this hashtag to get feedback on students' blogs
#iaedchat - Sunday evening conversation
#edtech
Here is a list of some Educators to Follow to get started
Matt Townsley's List of Iowa Educators to Follow
#iaedchat - Sunday evening conversation
#edtech
Here is a list of some Educators to Follow to get started
Matt Townsley's List of Iowa Educators to Follow
Google+
Google+ has a much different feel than Twitter because sometimes you may want to share more than 140 characters and have a visual thrown in there. A component of Google+ are Communities. These can be open or private groups you can post to. There can be events shared as well as resources, ideas and you can track a threaded discussion with responses on a post. An example of the power of this one... I'm no Google Apps Dashboard expert, but there are over 1000 members in the GAFE Admin Community, I was having an issue posted my question and within an hour I had three different ideas about what I could try to fix it. There are a wide range of Communities out there to take a look for some to join.
Blended and Personalized Learning
Google Education Group Iowa (GEG)
Chromebook EDU
Instructional Technology Integrators and Coaches
GWAEA Significant Disabilities Link
Google Education Group Iowa (GEG)
Chromebook EDU
Instructional Technology Integrators and Coaches
GWAEA Significant Disabilities Link
Voxer
I've been using Voxer for a couple years now, but it is kind of the new kid on the block. This is a free app for mobile devices. Think grown up walkie talkies! I first started using it to connect with individuals because it was easier than texting, but there is power in numbers and I am now in a few group Voxes! I am in a group with other instructional technology folks who for the most part are flying solo (like some content area teachers) in their districts all over the country (#respecttimezones), so with a tap of a button can reach out with others and get some advice. I was in a meeting and got asked a question about an app or how to do something on an iPad, threw it in the chat and came back with ideas and a discussion evolved on how we could mashup a few apps to accomplish our task!
The beauty of this app is the ability to discuss a hot topic or brainstorm. You can't always participate live, but because it is stored, I listen to conversations on a drive when I have time. We had someone visiting a classroom and instead of waiting to get somewhere to compose an email summary, he just threw it in Voxer and we were able to respond. Huge time saver! Another great idea for using Voxer was shared with me by Jimmy Casas, principal at Bettendorf High School. He uses it for teachers to discuss a professional blog post, kind of like a virtual book study! It is a great way to have staff connect when they may not otherwise have time and build a culture of learning!
Voxer in iTunes
Voxer in Google Play
The beauty of this app is the ability to discuss a hot topic or brainstorm. You can't always participate live, but because it is stored, I listen to conversations on a drive when I have time. We had someone visiting a classroom and instead of waiting to get somewhere to compose an email summary, he just threw it in Voxer and we were able to respond. Huge time saver! Another great idea for using Voxer was shared with me by Jimmy Casas, principal at Bettendorf High School. He uses it for teachers to discuss a professional blog post, kind of like a virtual book study! It is a great way to have staff connect when they may not otherwise have time and build a culture of learning!
Voxer in iTunes
Voxer in Google Play
My challenge to you is try to pick just one format and give it a try. Educators are some of the best people I know who will help and share with others, all you need to do is ask. Then when you are ready, return the favor! You won't be disappointed with how much you can learn!
~Stacy Behmer, Coordinator of Digital Learning
@sbehmer +StacyBehmer sbehmer23
~Stacy Behmer, Coordinator of Digital Learning
@sbehmer +StacyBehmer sbehmer23
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