Professional/Personal Learning Networks.
When I first started
teaching in 2001, we did not have the resources that we are enjoying today as
teachers. Back then, we relied on resources available online for us to use in
our classrooms. The attitude then was lenient towards the idea that we should
do what we read in the handouts we get. Nowadays, it is totally different from
a decade ago. We now have networks where teachers can share what they think
works in the classroom with other teachers who in turn take what they have
learned, use it in the classroom, and be able to post comments on how it went.
Some educators even share what they need help in and hopes to have other
colleagues online share how they might solve this particular educator’s
problem. Of course that’s how it works, but I never tried any of it.
After reading the
materials presented, I am now fully aware of its benefits for myself. Learning
networks can help keep us updated on new innovations in the field of education.
It can enlighten us with new ideas that can motivate our students and even
ourselves as teachers. Some of us may think that technology can impact our
students in negative way, but let’s look at the bright side of things. Twitter
is a tool that we can use in education. The example in the reading of what
happened in Egypt is amazing in so many ways. It made the middle school
students aware of what was happening through the accounts of an Egyptian lady
who was actually there to witness it all. Technology after all is a very
powerful tool if used in the classrooms.Teachers know that technology keeps
students interested in learning, and it can also help teachers by making it
easier to reach our students and be able to work with them in their areas of
need. Maybe a teacher in Iowa has an idea that can help students in American
Samoa master context clues skills.
As for the future, I will try
to learn how to utilize twitter in the classroom if possible and to read about
the work of others through these learning networks as it will provide me with a
heads up of what I need to do to improve in my field of work. Before my
students benefit from it all, I need to learn how to use these tools to my
advantage.
