Participating in the Creating on the Web course with Professor Ed Warkentin of Fresno Pacific University has been one of the most rewarding and valuable learning experiences I have had thus far as an educator. Prior to taking this course, I had no idea what it meant to be a connected educator or how crucial being connected was to my learning and growth as a teacher. These past six weeks have really been eye-opening as I've built by PLN and realized all of the opportunities I've missed out on to be a better teacher. I am already pushing myself out of my comfort zone and making an impact that extends beyond my school. I am overwhelmed by the support that I have received by educators all over the world simply by connecting with them on Twitter. I have to admit that I never understood all the hype about Twitter, but now I do. I now see what a great networking tool Twitter is and how valuable it is for educators looking to learn and grow in the profession.
Building my website has been an amazing learning experience. Through the process I learned that I am capable of much more than I've ever given myself credit for. Every challenge that I overcame left me feeling extremely proud and confident that I could do even more. My initial feelings of not believing that I had anything valuable to offer the education community are finally starting to diminish. I recognize how valuable of a tool my blog can be and I am excited to see it continue to build and grow.
I'm taking Whitaker, Zoul, and Casas' (What Connected Educator Do Differently) advice and really pushing myself to be better tomorrow than I am today. For too long I've thought of myself as an average teacher who doesn't have anything to offer other educators. I now realize that I have been selling myself short. As a connected educator I am a leader and I have much to learn as well as give in the field of education. As I continue on my path as a connected educator I will also take the following steps recommended by Whitaker et al.:
1. Be a model by demonstrating risk-taking.
Next week I will be leading a session on Google Apps for Education during professional development for my community's elementary school district. I am very excited about this opportunity to connect with other educators and share what I've learned. I am hoping that I will also be able to help them find their own courage to step out of their comfort zones and take risks.
2. Set aside at least 15 minutes each day to read a book, newspaper, or magazine.
There definitely comes a time when we all need to unplug and set our technology aside. Yesterday as I read Whitaker's et al. book from my ipad, I realized that I was watching television, reading from my ipad, and checking my smartphone simultaneously. It was actually pretty ironic that at that same moment I was reading about the importance of taking time to unplug.
This course may be coming to an end, but the knowledge I've gained and the connections I've made will last far into the future. I am excited about starting a new school year and feel more confident then I ever have. Who wouldn't feel this way when they know they are supported and backed by the greatest people in the world......EDUCATORS!!
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