Profession Learning

Networks

Building connections in education!

I joined twitter to begin my Professional Learning Network exploration! I initially felt a bit overwhelmed when venturing into twitter. However, I started simple by, following around 15 other

professional, and I am now beginning to transform from a twitter lurker to a twitter contributor and it is awesome!

January 19, 2014

Connecting Teach preschool @Teach_Preschool

As this semester wraps up, I will be embarking on teaching a preschool program for children displaying early risk for learning disabilities! I am very excited for this opportunity and I am sourcing new material from as many places as I can!

They post multiple times a day and provides me with some wonderful resources in the world of early childhood education!

Through the twitter profile, I was also able to access their fantastic blog at teachpreschool.org

Connecting Erin Klein @KleinErin

Here is a fantastic example of someone using her PLN in great ways! Definitely an inspiration for my own professional growth!

She posts multiple resources each day!

I connected with this twitter user through her fantastic website www.kleinspiration.com. She specializes in embedding technology within the curriculum to enhance current instructional practices and engagement while differentiating instruction to meet the needs of her students!

Connecting EdTech Services UofA @ EdTechUofA

Ed tech services offers learning design and delivery support, multimedia services, web and mobile development, extensive technology assistance, and many more services.

This has been a fantastic tool for me throughout my last semester at the U of A and will continue to be be valuable for me when I am out in the field!

They offer me a current and exciting connection to the educational technology world!

Connecting edutopia @edutopia

Edutopia is a mixed bag of all things education! It offers connections to a wide range of strategies to empower students to think critically, access and analyze information, creatively problem solve, work collaboratively, and communicate with clarity and impact!

This twitter user is connected to a fantastic website called edutopia.org where I can access even more learning strategies!

Connecting ASEA @AutismEdmonton

The Autism Society of Edmonton Area (ASEA) helps families and communities embrace and support people on the autism spectrum throughout their lives.

My true educational passion is working with students with autism and I know whatever path I take in the I’ll find a way to remain involved.

Staying connected to this local organization will be very beneficial to stay current and Link my students and their families to local supports !

I have begun to contribute to my PLN by sharing resources and communicating ideas!

I have been re-tweeting posts I enjoy and sharing some of my thoughts about education!

Contributing

Although I have not yet participated in chats or discussions using my Twitter page (and I hope to soon!), I have a

interesting and engaging collaboration with fellow EDU 210 students through our shared Google doc during class time!

Collaboration

PLNs provide so many possibilities for teachers to take control of their learning and to push beyond the physical walls of the classroom!

Image retrieved from http://www.edudemic.com/build-personal-learning-network/

What do PLNs offer me?

Reflection Developing my PLN has been very rewarding in assisting me in the professional

world! I have gained access to many new resources and been able to share in experiences of other Educators around the globe. I have found myself visiting twitter for up-to-date cutting edge resources for other class assignments and to share with my colleagues at the Centre for Literacy!

I look forward to building some momentum in my own Twitter and other PLNs and begin collaborating with teachers and other educational professionals as I move through my education career! The more I use it the more valuable it becomes.

Some of my current favourite hashtags are #edtech, #weteach, #AutismAwareness, #earlyliteracy, and #teachpreschool