Over the past couple of school years, you have heard various people in the district talk about the importance of becoming a connected educator. You’ve been encouraged to create and grow a professional learning network (PLN) that would help you connect with educators in similar fields and interest that would help you grow professionally. For some, myself included, it takes a while to see the value in creating a professional learning network. My ah-ha moment happened with twitter a couple of years ago when I discovered the power of twitter chats and following content specific hashtags.
Yesterday, I had a chance to experience just how powerful your PLN can be. Excelsior Springs Middle School had the opportunity host the first ever scenario based #ptchat Wednesday night in the learning commons. The organizer of this chat, Joe Mazza, is an expert in the field of school/community relationships and lives in Philadelphia. Our school was chosen to host because of the previous connections and communications that Chris and Michelle Nebel had made with Dr. Mazza via twitter. In addition to Dr. Mazza, there was panel of crowd sourced experts who volunteered to answer questions about school-community relations
Now I know that this might not seem as exciting to you as it was for others in attendance. But, this is was example of how social media and PLNs are improving the quality and accessibility of professional development educators receive.
Yesterday, I had a chance to experience just how powerful your PLN can be. Excelsior Springs Middle School had the opportunity host the first ever scenario based #ptchat Wednesday night in the learning commons. The organizer of this chat, Joe Mazza, is an expert in the field of school/community relationships and lives in Philadelphia. Our school was chosen to host because of the previous connections and communications that Chris and Michelle Nebel had made with Dr. Mazza via twitter. In addition to Dr. Mazza, there was panel of crowd sourced experts who volunteered to answer questions about school-community relations
Now I know that this might not seem as exciting to you as it was for others in attendance. But, this is was example of how social media and PLNs are improving the quality and accessibility of professional development educators receive.