Teachers are pressed for time during the school year. Strategic projects are postponed until the summer. On a side note, this is likely why technology integration done during the year shows mixed results and is project-oriented instead transformational. "Finding more time" is only possible through improved efficiency. This means using social networking and web2.0 tools to work smarter and faster. Most importantly, make sure that you have realistic expectations
Just as technology alone will not improve teaching and learning, PLNs are not the "aspirin" solution to our system's professional development headaches. (source)
For example, why search Google for websites? Chances are that there are teacher blogs and related Delicious accounts with high-quality and proven resources. Why search Google for an images? You probably want a collect of images from a website like Flickr. Why just search for images when you probably want full-blown presentation slides with explanations. In this case, venture to Slideshare or Slideboom. Perhaps you want to zoom into a picture in great detail - try gigapan for ultra high-resolution images.
Why settle for weblinks and slides, when you really want a lesson plan and rubic? This is why you invest time creating and pruning your PLN. Ask people in your social network (Twitter, Classroom2.0, etc.) where to find proven lesson plans, projects, and rubrics. Make sure that you have people from different time zones in your PLN. Ask a question before bed and find responses waiting for you in the morning.
Web2.0 tools are great for networking with other teachers and finding great ideas. They have the potential to save lots of time. Once you become comfortable with them building your PLN, then stretch your mind and try a few in your classroom.
Just as technology alone will not improve teaching and learning, PLNs are not the "aspirin" solution to our system's professional development headaches.
4 comments:
I enjoyed your posting. It's nice to see that improving efficiency of time is well noted. You also give some great thoughts!
I completely agree with your post and until reading it I had no idea those things exsisted so thankyou. Those things will come in handy when I begin teaching.
Well said, John. PLNs are a "start" but they sure aren't the "answer" either.
I really appreciated your blog.-- organization was so effective. I was a little confused to switch from PLCs to PLNs. . . . . I will definitely use your ideas!
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