Don't Be an Island (originally posted on 3.14)

For years I have been trying to sell teachers on the advantages of using PLN's (Personal Learning Networks) as a way to get that outside support and insight into daily classroom practices.  I understand that it is not always easy to try something new, and that it can be intimidating at first. Here are some quick tips to get yourself started with a PLN.

1) Start following websites and blogs with an RSS feed reader (not complicated at all).  I use Feedly, but this is only one of many available free readers. To use Feedly, go to Feedly.com and sign up for a free account.  Once you have an account, you can subscribe to any blog or website by selecting the "add content" heading and pasting the url into the field provided.  Now, whenever you go to Feedly.com, or open the Feedly app on your iOS or Android phone - you can quickly skim through the headlines of your favorite websites and read any articles that sound interesting to you. You can also easily save your favorites with a touch of a button.  Not sure what sites to subscibe to? Of course I recommend this site to everyone, but I also have my favorite blogs listed on the right column of this blog.  As you get more into the idea of using a reader - your tastes and preferences will grow to be more personal to your interests.

You can sort different groups of websites as different categories too.  I might have a technology group, ELA group, sports group, music group, etc.  Of course, like anything that is web-based, whatever you do on your computer is synced with your phone and tablet, so you are able to check-in no matter what device you are using.

2) Make the leap to Twitter.  I know, I know...if you are not on Twitter right now, it is probably because you are biased against what you perceive it to be.  I can understand the backlash against Twitter, as it is only as useful as the person using it.  So trust me when I tell you - it can be extremely useful.  Getting started, I would set up an account with the intention of using it for professional purposes only.  Many people use their personal Twitter account for everything - but I would caution against doing that, at least until you have a better understanding of how Twitter works, and what you want to publicly share.

Once you have a Twitter account - start following people.  Who do you follow? Smart people.  People you think have good insight.  People who you work with.  People you would like to work with.  As you look at people's feeds, you will constantly be discovering people who you would like to follow.  As the amount of people you follow grows, your feed will also update more rapidly, and you will be able to see how quickly you can learn things from other people in the world of education.  You will also be aware of conversations that are happening across the educational landscape that will open your eyes to the bigger picture.

As a beginner on Twitter, there is no obligation to contribute to conversations that you are reading.  It is a nice way to observe how it works and take away valuable resources.  As you continue to use Twitter, you will (hopefully) feel a natural inclination to become part of the conversations that you are reading and engage yourself in the willingness to be a part of the new generation of connected educators.  Take the opportunity to give it a shot.  Tell me if you appreciate it @sjoycetech.

Consistency is Key

One thing that I have been discussing with teachers a lot lately is the importance of consistent technology use in the classroom.  Using technology in the classroom can at times be frustrating and daunting, depending on a number of factors.  It can also be engaging, efficient, and fun for not only students, but teachers as well.

If we go back to the number of factors that can hinder technology integration, the biggest one that I see is that students are learning how to use computers and creating content at the same time - which can slow the process down significantly.  Of course, as students begin to use technology for the first time, this is going to be part of the process.  But don't forget that it is a process.  Students will continue to better understand and become fluent on the computers, but they need to have regular practice to reinforce the skills and processes that they are learning.

We wouldn't tell a student to stop reading if they didn't get it the first few times.  Similarly, we cannot do the same for technology use in the classroom. Do not try to do too much with computers as students are learning the process of a task.  Simply, allow them to practice the process without necessarily having them create their own content.  This will pay dividends down the road when students have a reference point for what they are doing.

Please remember, especially as you are getting started, there is no task too minimal to include technology with.  The more routine exposure we can give our students, and ourselves, the more proficient our students will become. As teachers and students' technology fluency grows, the depth of learning that takes place through technology in your classroom will naturally shift along with it.

Speaking of consistency, I will be consistent in updating this blog (at least) weekly with ideas and resources that would be of value to what we are trying to achieve in our classrooms.