Professional Online Networks

I have a twitter account but it has sat there redundantly for a number of of years. In terms of Google+, I have found it a great way to connect with the students of Mind Lab. It was somewhere I would turn to if I was struggling with assignments or if I had a query people were posting such interesting and thought provoking articles, up to date and relevant.  I have been impressed by those people that put their blog on such a large forum.

Other online forums such as Facebook have been really helpful for ideas, posting issues in education.  I realise that I am only scratching the surface in terms of what I could be  connected to and that I could be connected in so many professional ways.

My use of social media has probably taken a sharp upward rise in the last year. It is reflected by ‘The Pit’ learning challenge model.  Yes, there has been quite  a lot of confusion and here I am doing the construction and consider part in this blog.

                 

                 

Our Year 7 and 8 team has gone BYOD   this year and we are in the process of creating our student blogs. Here is the thing…. I did not even have a blog account until recently. Like 10 weeks ago!

I had not delved into this area as I was unsure of how it could be used and whether I could use it for student’s learning. I can now definitely see the benefits, I am still just getting my head around the logistics and how best I can use it to enhance my students learning and engagement.

I enjoy being connected in my personal life with Facebook, why not be connected and work collaboratively  with others from over the world. Blogging for the first time has been really like pulling teeth for me. I actually felt sick when I did my first blog, what 8 weeks ago. It sat in the draft  for  at least 3 weeks……. I edited,  I revisited,  I reworded and still felt so nervous when I pushed the publish button. Let’s say the trainer wheels are still there, little wobbly, but the process is getting easier. Of course, comments and feedback always help.

Have I had my head buried in the sand, a little, probably a lot, This is the reason that I wanted to do this course to challenge myself to become more technologically savvy.

I actually was wanting to be more competent in front of the students. Yet the course has pushed my own weaknesses, those areas I have avoided. It has actually shown me how to be a more connected and the benefit of online social networks.

I have become more confident to share my views or opinions and not act like the stealth stalker, who was too chicken to dive into the social networking pool. But it turns out the water is just fine. It’s better just to just jump in!

References:

http://www.edudemic.com/social-media-education/

http://www.jamesnottingham.co.uk/learning-pit/