The PLN for TLJ (psst… that’s me!)
Mance Lipscombe… Pink Shirt Day… Cancer Research… Diigo… Beef and Pork Meatloaf…T-PACK… Counting Grains of Sand… Evilution….
What do all these things have in common?
My Personal Learning Network (PLN) , that’s what!
A Personal Learning Network, or PLN, is not a new concept. It’s basically who is in your “go-to” circle when you need and want information to learn. Personally, I will always have my mother as a part of my PLN. She reminds me daily how important it is to give back to my community. I have friends from my days at PRISM-Promoting Reasoning and Inquiry in Science and Math-as part of my PLN. I know I can and will rely on them for their grasp of all things science.
As this school year has progressed, I’ve added branches into my PLN. It started with a Vision–my school’s vision to be exact. As a building, we developed the following:
Preparing all students for success through thinking, technology, and teamwork.
I remember thinking, what a great idea! We want kids to use higher order thinking, use technology, and collaborate while learning. In my mind, I could see exactly what it should look like. (T-PACK) I also realized I wasn’t completely sure on how to help other teachers (or me ) get there.
I made a decision to seek out like-minded people to enhance my Personal Learning Network. People who could and would help me improve my skills in content, technology, and teaching in general. People who could make me smile as well as learn. People who made me want to be better.
Guess what? I found some! I went to some technology classes within the district, and away I went! As I’ve gained confidence in my abilities to use Twitter and social networks such as Classroom 2.0 and The Synapse, I have enhanced my PLN. It’s fun to realize my network can house people from England and Canada just as easily as someone from St. Joseph, Missouri.
So…
Mance Lipscombe… Pink Shirt Day… Cancer Research… Diigo… Beef and Pork Meatloaf…T-PACK… Counting Grains of Sand… Evilution….
Lessons from my Twitter PLN
- @JRowing from Essex, England had a great evening listening to some Blues, including Mance Lipscome. As a result, I played tracks by the same artist while working around my house. Oh, and he also happens to like science, technology, and teaching.
- @teachmescience from Fredericton, Canada shared Pink Shirt day with our school to prevent bullying and suggested a fabulous recipe for a pork and beef meatloaf. Yes, she also likes science, technology, and teaching.
- @lancearmstrong Yes, that Lance Armstrong. He has tweeted some good articles that explains how the Stimulus Package is affecting Cancer Research. I’m betting he likes science, technology, and teaching. But, he’s mostly into cycling. Imagine that!
- @nashworld from St. Joseph, Missouri! He’s the tech guy–the one that I ask a zillion questions too. Currently, I’ve getting better at T-PACK (to be explained to the rest of my school soon) and am learning about Diigo (to be explained to me soon)–I hope! Oh yeah, he likes science, technology, and teaching.
- @porchdragon and @WillyB tweeted an interesting lesson looking at Exponential Numbers by counting grains of sand. What a great inquiry approach. Science, technology, and teaching… Check…
- @missbaker and @ehoffman These ladies always seem to be on the cutting edge of what’s going on in… you guessed it… science, technology, and teaching! They also made me laugh this week by the comments students left on papers. Evilution speaks for itself.
I mention these tweets to show the vast array of learning that can take place by taking a chance and learning something new. Last year, I had absolutely no idea of the concept of a social networking site, Twitter, or even a PLN. I would have laughed at the notion I would speak with someone from another country on a daily basis.
Now, I would be hard-pressed if the conversations ceased.
Are you using Twitter?
Another social networking site?
If not, give it a try! Start with me @terri_science! Let your journey begin.
Artwork thanks: Rythym Guitar by thornj on Flickr
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:20 am
Twitter definitely lives up to its potential in the education department. I’ve found more useful ideas, links, and people through Twitter in the last year than I’ve found in the 5 years I was teaching before Twitter.
Glad I could be of some help (or at least entertainment).
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:01 am
Terri, glad to hear that TPACK is how you mind thinks about technology integration. It seems to me that tools like twitter are just the beginning of a new generation of social media that can help us connect with the world and with each other. Cool. ~ punya
April 9th, 2009 at 12:52 am
Thanks Terri – I’ve added you and a few of your twitter friends to my PLN. I’m a science teacher from Victoria, Australia – on term 1 holidays at the moment and looking for some inspiration. I’ve certainly found it with you and your network.
April 9th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Britt,
It’s great to hear from you! I can’t wait to head over to Twitter to add you as well! I know I can learn a lot from you.
My class has been lax using our Ecotigers Ning lately due to time and lack of access to laptop cart. However, I’ve had several kids ask if we can collaborate on a project with your class soon. Maybe we can set something up?
Terri