Social Media & Professional LearningI have found the use of social media to have a huge impact on my growth as a professional educator. Some of the forums I've utilized include Facebook, Twitter, Edmodo, Instagram, and many blogs. Some of the groups I belong to and teachers I follow include: Global Read Aloud, Encouraging Teachers, 5th Grade Fanatics, Educators Book Club, Teachers Getting Real, Techie Teachers, Teachers Pay Teachers, Grade Flock, Edutopia, Angela Watson, Teaching In Room 6, Whole Brain Teaching, The Organized Classroom and Laura Candler.
For the past several years I have actively contributed to discussions and shared resources. In a way, I’ve developed my own Personal Learning Network based on my interests and needs as an educator. By seeking groups and following educators, I’ve been able to connect over ideas, be inspired, share resources, participate in meaningful conversations, and collaborate with other educators near and far. Through this, I’ve learned of so many great opportunities and developed lasting connections like a virtual book club with a teacher and class in Indiana. I learned of the Global Read Aloud through one of the groups I belong to and that alone has inspired me to grow as an educator and improve my technology skills along the way. I have been able to connect my students with students around the globe in a variety of ways through the Global Read Aloud experience. I think the relevant issues to consider when using social media in a professional manner include the relevance and accuracy and frequency of the content. I have turned off notifications for some of the groups since there are so many users actively posting in the group. I often go to the group and use the search feature and turn on notifications for the posts I’m most interested in following and new people post. If I came across an inappropriate post made by one of my students outside of school, I’d think about the best way to address it and based on the nature of it. Since my students are 5th graders, I feel it’d be important to bring it to a parent’s attention and follow any other protocols that are in place. I really like the letter on Patrick Larkin’s blog and may share that with the parent to stress the importance of helping their child learn the importance of establishing themselves as a responsible digital citizen.
3 Comments
Kristin Pruitt
11/2/2016 04:46:12 pm
Well said! Glad you were able to wrap your brain around it all. I am also still struggling with my capstone focus!
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It's good to know that I'm not the only one who's struggling with my capstone! I think my topic might be too broad and the multitude of possibilities are freaking me out a bit. I'm going to have to reign it in!
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12/29/2016 12:02:41 am
Jenny ~ Your PLN is awesome, especially in connecting to the reading group in Indiana! I would love for my students and I to connect with educators in other countries to expand beyond our "Western" perspective/culture. Your post is motivating me to find and make that connection with another 4th grade class/teacher before this year ends. Thank you!
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