Chapter 3 in The Connected Educator emphasizes the potential of connected learning communities and how they collaborate to advance professional growth and development. The chapter explores the manner in which teachers can form personal learning networks (PLN) in order to not only distribute but produce new ideas on teaching together. Online forums, social media platforms, and computer-based courses offer opportunities through which isolation can be eliminated and teaching can be refined in a sustained manner. The concept has much utility in the current age of computer-based technologies when information and communication with peers all over the world can be had at the touch of a keyboard.
Being a prospective first-grade teacher, connected learning is a treasure trove. Young students need to be constantly challenged and engaged in class and, therefore, need to be met with creativity and innovation in instruction, classroom management, and lesson planning. Through a professional learning network, I can discover new pedagogy, classroom management techniques, and innovative lesson planning ideas specific to early childhood education. For example, chatting with other educators through social media avenues such as Twitter and Facebook group pages or online teacher discussion forums can give a world of resources to advance teaching. Applications such as Seesaw or ClassDojo can even enable me to keep parents updated in order to supplement the learning experience for my students.
The Chapter 3 values reinforce the importance of teamwork and continuous learning. As an educator, I must embrace continuous professional growth and look for opportunities to learn from and learn with others in my school community. Taking webinars, online coursework, or virtual mentoring will enable me to shape myself into a higher quality teacher and stay up to date with the latest teaching trends. Embracing such bonds will not only make me a better teacher but will also add to a broader learning community with both learners and teachers within it. With a vocation so dynamic as teaching, embracing the power of interconnected learning ensures that I am providing the best quality education to my first graders.
Really nice job connecting the chapter to real-life careers! I liked the reminder that learning is ongoing, especially with how fast tech and industries change.
ReplyDeleteYou showed a strong connection with Chapter 3 and your future as a first-grade teacher. It’s clear how valuable a professional learning network can be, especially in early childhood education where creativity and new strategies are essential to students. I like how you mentioned applications like Seesaw and ClassDojo. They’re great examples of how connected learning supports communication with parents as well.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing that you are aiming to be such a well rounded and knowledgeable first-grade teacher. I absolutely agree how important it is to continue to learn new teaching techniques and stay present in your methods of managing how you are giving information, but also the children as well. First-grade is such a crucial time for a child's growing brain, and your motivation to challenge and encourage children as a teacher is very promising!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the importance you put on making sure your students are engaged in your lessons making sure their minds don't go elsewhere while also keeping things interesting for them
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