Post date: May 3, 2015 9:38:15 PM
PLN - Personal Learning Network - The additions to my PLN are one of the biggest gains so far of the program for me. A new or should I say expanded group of folks to call on for information, ideas, and help when needed. The last month has been a very difficult on for me and my PLN has helped me get through some tough dark times. When I needed class support with lesson ideas for subs folks have been there to help out and support me. When I thought there was no way I would ever finish the school year or get through this program several have been there to encourage and help me along the way.
Discussions both through the synchronous sessions, chats and the G+ community have been informative and help charge the direction of not just my classroom but fellow teachers at my school. The reason I say fellow teachers is because after trying out any new idea and tweaking it in my class setting I've been sharing new ideas with my colleagues at school. I think this is the most powerful thing about the IEC program, it doesn't change just one educator it can change many in a school or district.
With my iPad project one of our recent sessions I learned something new about using "guided access" to allow only one app to work. I showed this to a kindergarten teacher that was frustrated with using her iPad with students. She is now using her iPad more with students and loving it. Again it is the power of sharing what is working that multiplies the time and effort I'm putting into the IEC program that will transform classrooms in my district for the better for students. That is the ultimate goal to become a better educator for the students that I touch or those I share with touch.
I have so many G+ articles saved on my notepad for review this summer when I have more time. I have no doubt that for the next year + I will be going through, processing and still learning more from my time in the IEC program. As for learning more I still have to look into my electives which I hope to start soon. But between my busy schedule with school and the knee injury which took me out for almost a solid month those will have to wait a little longer.