Cultivating My PLN

It is now about halfway through the semester. I have been learning about various online tools that can be used to develop my Public Learning Network, PLN, in addition to the advantages of creating a web-based learning network. I will admit, it was a bit overwhelming to see how many websites, apps, blogs, and other resources are out there. I thought that I was pretty internet savvy and that my knowledge of social network was up to date. I was very wrong. I found myself avoiding these tools because I was so intimidated by the task of creating my own PLN. It seemed impossible to learn how to use all of these tools and then to actually get into the habit of using them. Before now, blogging and tweeting and pinning seemed like a chore rather than a beneficial use of my time. However, I began to see the creation of a PLN in a different way. I realized that I don't need to use or even understand all of these tools. So, I spent some time weeding through the abundance of tools and resources, finding the path to what works for me. I am developing a habit of using the internet as a valuable tool for my own knowledge and professional growth. It's actually kind of exciting to share information and knowledge with the broader world of educators. The celebrities of the education world are no longer distant and unreachable, I can see their ideas instantly on Twitter, watch interviews that happen through Google Hangout, read their blogs, and even communicate back to them.
Like any habit, developing my online presence hasn't happened instantly. Keeping up with the rapid flow of information and contributing to that flow is something that I am learning to incorporate into my routine. Some areas of my PLN came more quickly than others. Some things, I realized, I was even already doing! I think that reading and archiving have been two of my strengths, since these are the quieter, more behind the scenes aspects of a PLN. Sharing my own ideas through writing, tweeting, and commenting has proved to be a bigger challenge. I do enjoy writing in my blog as it provides a good opportunity reflect, and I think the fear of putting myself out there is waning. In order to better develop my PLN, particularly in my weaker areas, I plan to create a PLN routine. Each night, I will dedicate at least 20 minutes to my PLN. Some nights this may be longer, like when I blog and read, but other nights 20 minutes will be enough to check out Twitter, share a tweet or two, or comment on my peers' blogs. Additionally, I will use those spare minutes that typically go to checking Facebook toward a more productive use of internet time by putting it toward my PLN. I will continue to read and archive regularly, as I truly value this practice as part of my own learning and planning for the classroom. While I work to make these tasks a habit, I will keep a weekly checklist. I will document my activity to ensure that I am meeting my goals.
Though I haven't been great at developing my PLN, I have begun to use many of the web-based tools we have learned in my classroom. It's fun and exciting to share these tools with my students and cooperating teacher. I look forward to continuing the process of developing my PLN and taking advantage of the abundant and available learning opportunities.

Digital Citizenship

During the last few weeks, I've spent a lot of time learning about and exploring new technologies. I have been attempting to incorporate new websites, online resources, and technology-based tools as part of my classroom instruction and as part of my own learning. I have seen how abundant this online world really is and I have begun to experience just how powerful it can be. However, in the midst of my excitement around the positive impact the internet can have on learning and sharing information, knowledge, and insight, I was reminded of the dangers of the web. 

This week, I experienced cyber bullying happening in my classroom. Though bullying has been around forever, the internet has provided a means for instant and viral attacks, insults, or harassment. The internet also removes the school day time restraints of traditional bullying, as it is available around the clock. Additionally, the bully doesn't even have to have a face-to-face interaction with the victim, meaning that it may be easier to act as a bully or that the bully can remain anonymous. The problem of cyber bullying is widespread and extremely detrimental.

So, how can we help ensure that the internet and all of the technological tools that we give our kids are being used safely? In a school with 1:1 iPads, concerns around online safety and responsibility are constant. I think there needs to be more teaching around bullying and the power of our words, in person or through technology. Check out Common Sense Media for more information about how to teach digital citizenship. The site includes videos, curriculum, lessons, and age-specific teaching tools.