Professional Learning

Technology Tip of the Week: Google Edu Training Center

Google for Education Training Center is designed to help teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate Google Apps For Education (GAFE) tools in the classroom.  It includes lesson ideas, facilitation tips, and resources for using GAFE.  Training is offered to support all levels of users.  If you are looking to get started or learn more about GAFE, this is a great resource for you!

Check out this video overview for more information about the Google Edu Training Center.

App of the Week: Twitter

App Store Link:

• Click here to download the Twitter App

Twitter is a growing and respected tool for creating a Professional Learning Network (PLN). We encourage all staff to create professional Twitter accounts to create and grow their own PLN.

Check out this video to learn more about PLNs.

Hashtags are a great way to connect with other educators on Twitter.  Check out these two articles that may help you better understand hashtags.

• 10 Things to Know About Twitter Hashtags by Alice Keeler
• Twitter for Teachers: Discover #hashtag PD! by Patti Grayson

A Twitter Testimony - Toni Dowdy

Twitter is an amazing tool for building a Personal Learning Network (PLN).   This week we interviewed the Elementary Digital Learning Team to see how they've been using Twitter as a PLN.

Q1: When did you first hear about Twitter?
A1: I first heard about Twitter when a (very nerdy) friend of mine told me about it in 2007.  He described it to me as a way to communicate quickly with a group of people.  This was before the days of group texting, so I was mildly intrigued by the idea.

Q2: What did you think of Twitter when you first heard about it?
A2: Mostly it seemed like a way for people to say where they were going, where they had been, or what they ate for lunch.  I didn't see much value in it at first.

Q3: How long have you been using Twitter as a PLN?
A3: In 2010, I left the classroom to become a Digital Learning Specialist.  My team encouraged me to begin building a PLN on Twitter.  I was very resistant to the idea at first.  I had no interest in hearing what people at for lunch, nor did I want to share that type of information.  I created my @TechnologyToni Twitter account on November 28, 2010, and sent my first Tweet!

What was your First Tweet?  Click here to find out!

Q4: Who are your top 3 Twitter accounts to follow and why?
A4: There are so many great accounts to follow, it is hard to narrow it down to just 3!  If I had to pick I would say:

• @TCEA - They Tweet out when apps are free and other great resources!
• @mattBgomez - He is a wonderful techy educator and former kindergarten teacher.  He shares lots of great ideas for using tech with young children.
• @sylviaduckworth - She is a french teacher who makes amazing sketchnotes of all kinds of great ideas.

Q5: What was it like the first time you participated in a Twitter Chat?
A5: The first time I participated in a Twitter Chat was pretty chaotic.  There were tons of teachers using the chat hashtag, and I had a hard time keeping up.  I finally figured out who the moderator was, and was able to see the questions by going to that account page on Twitter.  I like how many moderators use the Q1, Q2, Q3, labels to help identify the questions.  That makes it a lot easier!  Then the participants can respond with A1, A2, A3, etc.

Q6: What advice do you have for teachers new to Twitter?
A5: Advice for teachers new to Twitter (in no particular order):

• Choose a Twitter name that tells who you are.
• Add a photo, avatar, or icon to your profile so you will not appear as an unhatched egg.
• Include more about yourself in your profile description so others will know what to expect from your account.
• Contribute! Even if you think you have nothing to say, follow smart people and retweet what they are saying.  Share your favorite website or blog links.  Tell everyone how you are using technology in your classroom.
• Participate in our weekly Twitter Chats!  Be sure to join us each Tuesday 8:00-8:30pm for our #BISDdlp Twitter Chat!

Getting Started with Twitter - Jeff Samuelson

When did you first hear about Twitter?

Twitter has been around for several years.  I guess I first heard about it while attending tech conferences and meetings with other Digital Learning folks.

What did you think of Twitter at that time?

I thought Twitter was mainly for business folks and that we were trying to make it fit in the education world.  I knew it was a way to share ideas, information and links.  But I did not see much of a connection to my job or for teachers.  How wrong I was!  It's an amazing tool for everyone!

How long have you been using Twitter as a PLN?

Honestly, I have used it as a PLN for the last two years or so.  So many educators across the nation have taken to Twitter to share what they are doing in their rooms...what works, what does not work.  They ask questions about lessons, tools, and resources.  They even share what is happening in their PLCs. It's a great, fast way to learn something new or get answers quickly!

Who are the top 3 people I follow?

My top three would be Eric Sheninger, George Couros, SMART Technologies.  Eric and George are national leaders in the education world providing current, insightful, and practical ideas that apply to teachers and administrators.  Best of all, what they Tweet usually challenges our current thinking and pushes us to stretch for what is next in our profession.  SMART Technologies does an amazing job of Tweeting about their products and then backs it up by Tweeting what others around the world are doing in their classrooms.  Amazing ideas and examples are shared daily.

What was my like during my first Twitter chat?

I was really nervous during my first Twitter chat.  Who would be seeing my Tweets?  Would I have anything important to say?  Will someone challenge my Tweet?  All those questions and more ran through my mind.  It was almost worse than being in front of a room full of teachers!  Guess what?  The chat was awesome and I was able to add to the discussion just as if we were all sitting in the same room.

What advice do I have for those new to Twitter/Twitter chats?

Just dive in!  Create your account and search for people you have seen speak at conferences.  Search for folks your colleagues follow.  Best of all, start following your Digital Learning Specialists and the Digital Learning department!  We share pretty fun stuff all the time!  As for Twitter chats, please join our department each Tuesday evening from 8-8:30.  We will post the questions for the evening in our Digital Learning Newsletter that we send out through Mark Thomas.  There is always lots of great information and resources shared in the newsletter.  If you are not ready to Tweet during the chat, just lurk and see how others are responding to the questions.  Soon you will be joining in and sharing your thoughts!  If you need help getting started, let your DLS know.  We are glad to help!

Twitter is Awesome!

Twitter Chats are starting up tonight and I wanted to share the great things I have learned about Twitter.  Be sure to join us tonight at 8:00, #bisddlp.

Q1. When did you first hear about Twitter?  
A1: I first started using Twitter personally to follow news and sports teams.

Q2. What did you think of it then? 
A2: I liked the real time information and getting notifications on my phone when something was happening in my area.

Q3. How long have you been using Twitter as a PLN?
A3: I started using Twitter as a PLN a couple of years ago after attending a conference.  Several of the presenters shared their Twitter handle and I started following them.  I quickly learned that the information they shared on Twitter was great and relevant to teaching.  It has become my go to resource for new ideas.

Q4. Who are your top 3 people to follow and why?
A4: @ShakeUpLearning  An excellent resource for all things Google

@TechChef4u A great resource for using iPads in the classroom 

@gcouros A resource for inspiration in trying new things

Q5. What was it like the first time you participated in a Twitter chat? 
A5: It was fast and furious but fun to watch the tweets coming in and being able to see everyone's ideas.

Q6. What advice do you have for teachers new to Twitter?  
A6: There are some great things going on in classrooms and don't be afraid to share those great ideas with others.