Picture:
www.oursocialtimes.com
Today we
hear and read about being a connected educator. What does that mean, what are
we connected to and who are we connecting with.
There are probably a lot of ways to answer this, as well as understand the importance of
connectivity. Today, as part of her blog
challenge Jana Scott Lindsay
blogged about Connectivity.
A very worthwhile read.
I will also
admit that for me recently not being in a school environment being connected
has taken on a new meaning and importance.Here is my
understanding of what it means to be connected.
We
can longer view things from the four corners of our office or classroom, but rather
we need to understand that the world is our classroom and office. So to be a
connected educator, you need to see yourself as part of a global community.
Recently I have connected in a more meaningful way with three people in my PLN.
One lives in a rural part of Wisconsin, one in Brazil and one in Switzerland.
My hope is to meet them all one day soon, but in any event, I feel connected to
them and all three have become valuable members of my PLN and good friends.
We also need
to be willing to connect to Social media and use it as a forum for professional learning
and growth. Learning takes place 24/7
not just in seminars or during PD days and we need to embrace that in order to
truly be connected.
We need to
connect to and be willing to accept new ideas and learn from people all over
the world.
Being
connected today also means ones need to be willing to share your thoughts and
ideas. People are interested in learning from you as well.
I will admit
it is hard at times to grasp some of these concepts. How can people whom I
never met are such good friends? And how
and why do some many people care what an Orthodox Jewish rabbi has to say. That
is the beauty of being connected. I am a better person, friend and educator because
of it.
The bottom line
is that to be connected and to develop and PLN we need to move out of the
comfort zone of our four walls and reach out to the global community.
I don’t think
in today’s society we can afford nor can out students afford for us not be connected
with the global community.
The beauty of having a PLN (You may choose to call it Professional Learning Network or "Passionate" Learning Network) is sharing with professionals from across the world without expecting to get anything in return, but life is so good it gives us really good friends as a bonus! I'm really glad we have connnected, Akevy! Keep inspiring!
ReplyDeleteMarcia
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
I feel the same way that it is an added benefit making friends
Love the term passionate learners
Glad we are friends and connected as well
Akevy