EdTech: Networking
Professional Networks: Connect to Others & Learn New Things
Grow Your Network!
This first installment will provide a basic understanding and lexicon of online communities to begin growing your network.
Basics 101
Purpose
Your Personal Learning Network (PLNs) exists within your campus walls; however, if you need a little extra inspiration and variety why not branch out to other places by connecting on the web with other similar professionals on social sites. Your PLNs should promote:
- Dynamic collaboration
- Student growth or achievement
- Focus on results through a process (DuFour, 2002 on ASCD)
It should also reflect continual growth and refinement for a teacher. Teachers benefit from meeting with and learning from others to improve strategies, routines, and pedagogy. This, in turn, may improve teaching quality and has the potential to improve student learning. As a teacher becomes cognizant of the needs of the students in her class and how to best serve them, the better the teacher will become.
Motivation
Lingo
Social Network: a structure or platform that people can join online based on similar interests or for constant contact.
Educational Social Network: works the same as a social network but it is specific to those who work in the educational fields. Online groups and communities are formed based on similar interests or position.
Nings: online communities of people who share similar interests that share and discuss work-related concepts.
Meetups: face-to-face meetings with local professionals of similar interests.
Platform: the framework which applications run or which application you choose to use.
Wikis: a community website where multiple people add to the content.
Blogs: a consistently updated weblog (take off 'we') on particular interests of the author.
Bookmarking: An online application that allows its users to save web links for self and to share with others.
RSS feed: Real Simple Syndicate allows you to follow subscribe to websites to stay current on their news or updates without having to search or go into their sites.
RSS feed Reader: an application that stores your subscriptions to read the RSS feeds in one location.
Curate: To select, organize, and gather information in one centralized, online location.
Podcasts: a digital audio file that can be listened to on a device. Members can subscribe to podcast shows based on personal interests.
Educational Networks to Try
In each new flyer, I will focus on one social site providing specific details for your searches.
Dr. Cynthia Pina
Assistant Professional for Curriculum & Instruction
● Symbaloo ● Microsoft Educator Community ● Pinterest ● LINKEDIN
Email: cynthia.pina@tamiu.edu
Website: https://smore.com/u/drpina
Twitter: @CynthiaLPina