My Deep Learning Journey

I have had many learning conversations with colleagues who ask, "why bother tweeting?" They wonder if it's a worthy investment of their time or if it's just a venue for teachers to give themselves self-indulgent accolades. Indeed, I first approached having an education focused social media account with some skepticism; after all, was this going to just add another "thing" to the plate? However, Twitter has given me so many opportunities for professional growth and networking; I can say without hesitation that my #TwitterPLN has made me a better educator.

What is a #TwitterPLN and Why Should I have One?

A #TwitterPLN is a professional learning network that you connect with through the social media platform, Twitter. My #TwitterPLN consists of educators from my school, from the district and from around the world. It's a venue in which we all enter as learners and can learn from each other. A ten minute scroll through Twitter can bring me into the classrooms and learning spaces of hundreds of educators!

As an educator, Twitter provides me with so many benefits. It is an accessible platform for all where teachers can share ideas, have enriching discussions, learn from educational thought leaders, find support and serve other teachers. It is self-directed PL where teacher's can identify their learning needs and then follow educators that will fill those gaps. I use Twitter because it gives me a host of like-minded educators to connect with at a moment's notice; at times, we can feel like we teach in silos, but Twitter extends our classrooms beyond the four walls and lets us interact with so many others. On Twitter, you can: find and share resources, stay informed on leading educational research, get fresh perspectives, embrace new ideas and have a voice in educational conversations worldwide! I have formed teaching friendships on Twitter that I cherish deeply; on days where change and innovation seems like an unreachable, a scroll through my Twitter feed can fill my cup and reignite the passion for transforming education!

Who should I follow on my own Deep Learning journey?

Since reading Fullan's "Deep Learning" in Summer 2019, my Twitter PLN has expanded to include many educators who are also engaged in Deep Learning practices. Be they Deep Learning educators right here in Newfoundland and Labrador, those engaged int he work at other schools worldwide or those leading the charge at the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning Team, I have had the opportunity to learn so much and take away so many noticings and wonderings that have helped shape my practice. Wondering who to follow to learn more about Deep Learning? Click on the banner below to go to a Deep Learning Partners Twitter list to get started!