Networks and More Networks!

These are some blog posts I noted this week that were related to networking, technology, mentorship, etc.


Tuition Free Universities:
http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2011/04/tuition-free-university-level-studies.html


Self Help for Technology:
http://cyber-kap.blogspot.com/2011/04/top-10-self-help-sites-for-technology.html


Advice to New Teachers:
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/04/advice-to-new-graduates-that-will-be.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freetech4teachers%2FcGEY+%28Free+Technology+for+Teachers%29

Module 4 Blog

My MindMap

After doing this map, I realized that a lot of what I do is intuitive.  I don't realize everything I use.

Years ago, I taught for the Navy onboard deployed naval vessels.  Until that time, I never gave thought to my network and PLN was not a concept used!  Once I started teaching solo, away from colleagues, I learned how important PLNs are.  At the time, I had email as the way to connect to colleagues.  Today, I use a variety of tools to connect within my network.

My network has changed the way I learn.  I am more apt to try new technologies especially since I know that many in my network are working with technologies.  I have also started to use PLN recommendations for trying new technologies.  My knowledge base on overall, non-technical topics, however, has grown the most.  Because of the networks I have created, I have found relevant and time worthy professional development opportunities.  I find that with these opportunities, I am stepping outside my comfort zone more.

I tinker.  That means I use a lot of different tools until I find what works best for me.  I am easily agitated when someone goofs a technology they are using to teach something.  I think for any technology to be effective and useful, the presenter/teacher needs to be comfortable with the technology.  If they aren’t, the whole experience is painful.  Power Point and narrated PPTs are hideous in my opinion.  I learn nothing from these.  Seeing the same information published in a video from Voice Thread or similar is superior in my opinion.  I learn more even though it is the same information.  Videos, podcasts, and vodcasts are the top technologies in what I find useful.  Blogging is a low-tech tool that I also find useful when I am learning new information.  I find these super helpful, especially when they link out.

When I have questions or need resources, I have two starters.  The first is Google.  The second is my PLN.  I really can’t say why I choose Google as my search engine.  I just do because it rarely disappoints.  I can also switch to Google Scholar with one click.  This saves time because I am not stopping and then starting a new search.  In the last couple of years, I have spent time cultivating my PLN.  This is also a philosophy I preach to my students.  The more people you know, the more you know. 

Because I tinker and explore, I think that I have found real gems both virtually and in real life.  I think the key is to be open to exploring and playing around with new technologies.  More important, I think it’s important to network and make connections with people we may never know.

I am a huge fan of Clay Shirky and his thoughts on networks:

This is a new find from Steven Johnson on how connections are what really make those AH HA! moments.

This is a cool TED link on collaboration:

http://www.ted.com/themes/the_rise_of_collaboration.html