A professional learning network, or PLN, is a connected learning community of those who share the same profession. The educators that form one's PLN share ideas for the classroom, ask questions, propose ideas, and provide advice. They may also collaborate on projects and work together to create content. I contact the members of my PLN using twitter, so that I can share the content I have created with edtech tools, participate in edchats, and take advantage of opportunities for professional development. My PLN is made up of those I feel privileged to learn from - individuals who are receptive, creative, lifelong learners and phenomenal educators.
Though I follow over a thousand educators on Twitter, there are specific individuals whose input and content I look forward to and seek out the most:
Kristen Nan (@nankr1120) is a third grade teacher who visited my Technologies of Instruction classroom and co-hosted #Masterychat during her visit, and was willing to try something new by having the entire class act as hosts for the twitter chat for the first time ever.
Katie Devlin (@MrsDevlinSS) is a middle school social studies teacher who responded to my interest in teaching in a cyber school by answering my many questions and sharing a recorded lesson with me.
Brian Costello (@btcostello05) is a teacher and the author of "The Teacher's Journey." He has shared resources for the Merge Cube that have increased my understanding of how to use AR/VR in the classroom.
Dr. Sam Fecich (@sfecich) is a professor at Grove City College who shares edtech content and has great advice for preservice teachers. She is the author of "Edumagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers."
Tara M. Martin (@TaraMartinEDU) is an educator and the author of "Be Real: Educate From the Heart." She skyped my Technologies of Instruction class at Grove City College to share some advice for preservice teachers.
Rebekah C. Lang (@RebekahCLang) is a cyber school teacher and my virtual co-op. She has been a phenomenal guide for me as I learn how to use various tech tools, and I even had the privilege of guest-teaching her class with Nearpod.
Melissa-Ann Pero (@bshsmspero) is a teacher who has shared a lot of great resources. She is very supportive of preservice teachers and has recommended several education podcasts for me.
Phil Strunk (@MrPStrunk) is a history teacher who has a Youtube show called "Edusations" and shares great resources for teachers.
Jennifer Gonzalez (@cultofpedagogy) blogs about education at cultofpedagogy.com, has a podcast with the same name, and shares great articles on Twitter.
Melissa Pilakowski (@mpilakow) is the co-moderator of #gamesfored, and she is encouraging, creative, and has great insight into how to use game mechanics in the classroom.
One of the best things about Twitter is the edchats. At all the chats I attended, the questions posed by the moderators were thought-provoking and generated enthusiastic and thorough discussion. Many questions prompted me to think about education in a way that I never had before. Additionally, experienced educators shared resources with me, responded to my posts with helpful suggestions, and provided encouragement. Each Twitter chat has helped me grow a little bit more as a teacher by giving me the opportunity to connect with educators.
Although I began using Twitter to build my PLN to fulfill a requirement for my Technologies of Education class, I plan on maintaining my online presence and participating in many more edchats. In addition, I expect to expand my digital portfolio to interact even more with other educators. My plans for this website include a blog with weekly posts, how-to articles for tech tools, and further examples of how technology can be incorporated into the classroom. As I make additions, I will tweet out links and hopefully get some feedback! Growing my PLN will empower me to become a connected educator and lifelong learner.
Though I follow over a thousand educators on Twitter, there are specific individuals whose input and content I look forward to and seek out the most:
Kristen Nan (@nankr1120) is a third grade teacher who visited my Technologies of Instruction classroom and co-hosted #Masterychat during her visit, and was willing to try something new by having the entire class act as hosts for the twitter chat for the first time ever.
Katie Devlin (@MrsDevlinSS) is a middle school social studies teacher who responded to my interest in teaching in a cyber school by answering my many questions and sharing a recorded lesson with me.
Brian Costello (@btcostello05) is a teacher and the author of "The Teacher's Journey." He has shared resources for the Merge Cube that have increased my understanding of how to use AR/VR in the classroom.
Dr. Sam Fecich (@sfecich) is a professor at Grove City College who shares edtech content and has great advice for preservice teachers. She is the author of "Edumagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers."
Tara M. Martin (@TaraMartinEDU) is an educator and the author of "Be Real: Educate From the Heart." She skyped my Technologies of Instruction class at Grove City College to share some advice for preservice teachers.
Rebekah C. Lang (@RebekahCLang) is a cyber school teacher and my virtual co-op. She has been a phenomenal guide for me as I learn how to use various tech tools, and I even had the privilege of guest-teaching her class with Nearpod.
Melissa-Ann Pero (@bshsmspero) is a teacher who has shared a lot of great resources. She is very supportive of preservice teachers and has recommended several education podcasts for me.
Phil Strunk (@MrPStrunk) is a history teacher who has a Youtube show called "Edusations" and shares great resources for teachers.
Jennifer Gonzalez (@cultofpedagogy) blogs about education at cultofpedagogy.com, has a podcast with the same name, and shares great articles on Twitter.
Melissa Pilakowski (@mpilakow) is the co-moderator of #gamesfored, and she is encouraging, creative, and has great insight into how to use game mechanics in the classroom.
One of the best things about Twitter is the edchats. At all the chats I attended, the questions posed by the moderators were thought-provoking and generated enthusiastic and thorough discussion. Many questions prompted me to think about education in a way that I never had before. Additionally, experienced educators shared resources with me, responded to my posts with helpful suggestions, and provided encouragement. Each Twitter chat has helped me grow a little bit more as a teacher by giving me the opportunity to connect with educators.
Although I began using Twitter to build my PLN to fulfill a requirement for my Technologies of Education class, I plan on maintaining my online presence and participating in many more edchats. In addition, I expect to expand my digital portfolio to interact even more with other educators. My plans for this website include a blog with weekly posts, how-to articles for tech tools, and further examples of how technology can be incorporated into the classroom. As I make additions, I will tweet out links and hopefully get some feedback! Growing my PLN will empower me to become a connected educator and lifelong learner.