EDU 790: Week 2 What is Community?
1/21/18
Hello,
This week I will be discussing the PLN social benefit that meets my needs and the PLN Tic-Tac-Toe activity I have chosen.
I feel that I have a few different professional learning networks, but none of them are very interactive online. I am a member of the Digital Leadership Corps in my district, the Middle School representative of the annual STEAM Night committee, NSTA member, athletic coach and club sponsor. From these groups, I enjoy meeting the affective and cognative benefits of a Professional Learning Community. I follow many people, groups and companies on Twitter, but never engage in a discussion. I enjoy reading the monthly blogs and articles and attending the conferences offered by the National Science Teachers Association. However, after the conference, I never ask further question or reach out to the presenters in the future; or better yet strive to become a presenter myself! I like to know that I'm no the right track when it comes to technology and that the tools I use are being used in the most effective ways. I use PLNs as a way to get new ideas and to confirm that I am moving my classroom methods in the right direction.
The Digital Leadership Corps meets at my school and all members work within the district. There is no need to connect online, we see each other every day. What I should really do is expand beyond my district to others in the DLC community. This way I can connect with other science teachers, create professional relationships and share ideas.
The Tic-Tac-Toe activity I chose was to join a new space and explore it. I have chosen to dig further into GEG Chicagoland. Once I clicked on the link, the page showed that I was already a member. I vaguely remember joining a long time ago when another tech savvy teacher recommended it. My plan is to make better use of it now. While I was searching and reading, I found a great article about Google Classroom called, "Five Ways to Improve your use of Google Classroom", by John R. Sowash. I run my classroom with Google Classroom and cannot image going back.
After exploring more of GEG Chicagoland, I decided to branch out and start a discussion. I have been looking to get some training on 3D Printers. I am hoping that someone will have some great recommendations for courses, workshops or conferences where I can learn more about this technology.
Hello,
This week I will be discussing the PLN social benefit that meets my needs and the PLN Tic-Tac-Toe activity I have chosen.
I feel that I have a few different professional learning networks, but none of them are very interactive online. I am a member of the Digital Leadership Corps in my district, the Middle School representative of the annual STEAM Night committee, NSTA member, athletic coach and club sponsor. From these groups, I enjoy meeting the affective and cognative benefits of a Professional Learning Community. I follow many people, groups and companies on Twitter, but never engage in a discussion. I enjoy reading the monthly blogs and articles and attending the conferences offered by the National Science Teachers Association. However, after the conference, I never ask further question or reach out to the presenters in the future; or better yet strive to become a presenter myself! I like to know that I'm no the right track when it comes to technology and that the tools I use are being used in the most effective ways. I use PLNs as a way to get new ideas and to confirm that I am moving my classroom methods in the right direction.
The Digital Leadership Corps meets at my school and all members work within the district. There is no need to connect online, we see each other every day. What I should really do is expand beyond my district to others in the DLC community. This way I can connect with other science teachers, create professional relationships and share ideas.
The Tic-Tac-Toe activity I chose was to join a new space and explore it. I have chosen to dig further into GEG Chicagoland. Once I clicked on the link, the page showed that I was already a member. I vaguely remember joining a long time ago when another tech savvy teacher recommended it. My plan is to make better use of it now. While I was searching and reading, I found a great article about Google Classroom called, "Five Ways to Improve your use of Google Classroom", by John R. Sowash. I run my classroom with Google Classroom and cannot image going back.
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The articles had some great tips and was also affirming. Of the five tips, I frequently use three of them. I highly suggest anyone using Google Classroom takes advantage of scheduling announcements and using Screencastify when you are out of the room. I am always using technology in my class and creating a screencast with objectives and directions is an easy way for kids to get the info they need. If you are out for multiple days, you can schedule your posts to go live at the time and date of your choosing. This way kids don't get too overwhelmed, confused, or work ahead.
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Something I was excited to learn was how to make your documents more exciting with emojis. It can be used for so much more than funny faces. Using the eye, caution sign, stop sign or other easily recognizable symbols helps students follow directions. I was also surprised to learn that parents are not notified of daily announcements. In Google Classroom, the teacher can set up the page so parents get notifications. I assumed the parents would see the exact same thing the students see. According to this article, parents only see assignments with due dates. This made me want to rethink what and how I share information with students and parents.
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Can I ask why you don't engage in much discussion via your PLNs? Consider also looking at Edmodo's Communities and Topics. There are science specific areas that you can engage in to ask about 3D printers.
ReplyDeleteHello Nicole!
DeleteThanks for the suggestion. I've used Edmodo before, but only to communicate to students. This is probably getting too personal, but I've always felt that I need to be careful and protective of not sharing too much personal information about myself. Prior to my current position, I have always been secretive about my personal life. I am also worried about accidentally blending my personal and professional life. At my previous teaching positions I was not able to be out. As a lesbian, I am always trying to be careful to protect myself. I could have been terminated from previous positions if too much information was shared, especially if students and parents had access to my personal life. I am also not tenured at my current position. I just need to be careful to protect myself.
I think you'd like the PLN's on Edmodo. It's all teachers, and you can join based on topic, subject, grade level, etc. I have found them helpful when looking for specific information or ideas from others. It's really the only online PLN I communicate with back and forth, instead of just follow.
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