A few years ago, I was introduced to Twitter and the whole social media world. I was floored by what I could learn and find out just by following a few people, most of them being educators. From Twitter, I got into following other Kindergarten teachers' blogs and I even participated in the Monday night #kinderchat. It was amazing all the adventures I was being lead to and I was learning a lot! I was investing in my learning network!
But then some personal changes came into play and I went away from "stalking" twitter and some of the people I follow. Technology seemed to take a holt! At first, I didn't miss it because I was experiencing a new adventure in my personal life but I was lacking that "investment" in my professional life. I have been out of the loop and so much has changed and I feel like I'm riding a bicycle for the first time again.
Life has now settled down and I am wanting to get back into investing in my learning network so I can grow professionally and personally. The book, What Connected Educators Do Differently, just opened my eyes to why investing my time in a learning network is so important and I am going to get back on this network adventure and see where it leads me. I can't wait to read what @ToddWhitaker, @Jeff_Zoul and @casa_jimmy have in store for us. Here goes nothing and watch out, I might start following you. :)
Jodi
Great post Jodi! I love your honesty about how the journey you have been on as you went in and out of Twitter. I also believe that it is completely natural. However, like you said, I do believe that staying invested and building a PLN can be a powerful tool that will not only benefit you, but more importantly your students and your school. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your honesty in your post Jodi. Sometimes it is important to step back and take care of you and that is okay! You sound like you understand the benefit and power of using Twitter to help you grow personally and professionally. You said you feel like you are learning to ride a bike again? Well, remember....once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget! :) You will be back on the bike soon!
ReplyDeleteWay to get back on the social media bicycle! You are very right that our lives outside of work play into how much we can devote to checking in on things like Twitter. I'm going to use your enthusiasm to attempt to become more involved with Twitter and learn something new!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed readying your blog post, Jodi. I also feel like life gets busy with school and at home. I try to check Twitter throughout the day to see what ideas other educators are using in their classroom and try to use them with my students. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI can become overwhelmed with all of the ideas shared on Twitter that I sometimes turn away. Then I remember that even if I find a few genuine connections and a few ideas, I am growing professionally. I really does become more natural as you go!
ReplyDeleteSo often, teachers don't step back and make time for themselves. I am so glad that you did as now you have this newfound energy that might inspire others to do the same. I look forward to reading your next post.
ReplyDeleteDon't give up. Write more!
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