Social Media & Education

After reading, #SXSWedu: Bill Gates calls for more connected educators by Melissa Greenwood, I have to agree with a few things that were stated by Bill Gates:

“The fact that these platforms let you categorize and talk about what your challenges are and sort of reach out to experts anywhere in the country who will be able to give you examples of what works with that type of student, it’s really breaking down that isolation in a really strong way,” Gates told attendees.
“What’s born out in the data is that there is a set of teachers who are absolutely phenomenal, and it’s interesting to me how little study has been done of videotaping and talking with them — understanding what they do well,” he said.
“Obviously as we learn more about that, and we do need to learn more about that, either we need to have them as the lecturer or capturing those ideas and having teachers watch those and learn from them and be evaluated on those characteristics. That will raise the quality of the profession as a whole.”

A few years ago, I was named Technology Teacher of the Year for Region IV.    One of the prerequisites of "winning" was that I agreed to have a lesson of mine video taped for future trainings.   I don't know if they ever used it - it would be interesting to watch now that I have "grown" so much more with technology.  Anyway, the lesson incorporated the use of technology with a video platform called Vidyo, with some ornithologists from Arizona State University.  Vidyo allowed us to connect with several different locations - much like that of the way Google Hangouts & Skype.  I think the quality was a lot better and back then - the capabilities of multiple "hookups" were expensive.  During our lesson, we back channeled our questions with the use of Today's Meet.  The learning was authentic and powerful and I am so fortunate to have randomly called a number of off a Google search and have them return our call with a vested interested in making a difference in this world. With so much technology out there - it is crazy to know what to use and when.  To be able to communicate live, is so much more powerful than tweeting or posting to Facebook - especially at the elementary level...   

I still speak to my friends at ASU and will be "hooking up" with them again soon with the use of Vidyo with my class.

Personal Learning Network

What defines ones PLN?  

Having a "Personal Learning Network" is essential to those great first teachings!  It is also beneficial when students begin to collaborate with other children in the world.  A PLN is basically those connections that people make either by in passing, or by suggestion, or by locating them using the world wide web.  I have met many people that I converse with about my teaching.  I also have met people that help me to determine which platforms to use for productivity, or how to challenge students further in certain areas.  I seek to them for advice on what works or how to achieve certain tasks.

One of the greatest encounters of my profession, has been with Arizona State University.  They helped bring in some of the top ornithologist to my class without having to leave the campus.  Our walls were torn down and the children were able to travel outside to learn more in - depth into the world of birds.  ASU created so many sparks that fired off questions and answers - bringing those rigor and relevance lessons into real life situations.  It helped my students see that the sky is the limit!  All one really needs to do is reach outside for more answers!!!

This is a movie that was part of the 11.5 tools that the district posted.  It really helped me understand that it takes a network of people to create success.  It is those connections that are brought to the table to  help students achieve their goals!

The Networked Student - The Movie

Margaret Powers' PLN

easel.ly