Teachers Connecting Online
Last week I was at a conference with thousands of educators.It was fun to connect with people that I haven’t seen in a while as well as meet new folks.
At one point I was visiting with Dan, and Dave came over and said, “Hello.” Being the intermediary, I politely introduced the two of them to which they nearly synchronously exclaimed, “Hey! We’re connected on Linked In. It’s nice to MEET you.” I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. While I’ve worked with, and even hired, people that I’d never met, this was the first time I’d been involved in orchestrating an impromptu face-to-face introduction. What was truly amazing is that Dan and Dave have been corresponding, networking and generally relating in their online world.
My response to this whole encounter? “Wow! I’m definitely gonna have to go tweet this.”
Social networks are great for teachers to connect, swap ideas, draw from the experiences of others and keep up with the latest. Creating an account is simple and free. Linked In, Facebook and Twitter are some common networks you can start with. So if you don’t have one- it’s time to start, and if you are already on these networks, connect to PLB with the links given below.
I would love to hear about your fun experiences related to online networking.
Follow PLB on Twitter http://twitter.com/
Like PLB on Facebook http://facebook.com/
Like PLB on Facebook http://facebook.com/
You are right, Ellen! I originally joined Facebook because my grown children were connecting with all of their friends, making quick announcements about their daily comings and goings, sharing new restaurants, etc. I always watched the smiles on their faces as their friends quickly answered them. The land phone was no longer ringing off the hook. I was curious…
I started with two or three friends, and then lo and behold, lots of people were “friending” me. I reconnected with college friends who live across the country, I can quickly find out what my friends and family are up to, I find out who is taking on a political opponent, and I started to join causes and organizations that were dear to my heart. I learn information on a daily basis about autism, new and old heroes, and new educational ideas that are being considered.
I joined LinkedIn to connect with educational peers and keep up with what is going on in academia. I retired in June from having taught elementary school for over 33 years, and quite frankly, I am aching to work. I do get calls to create curriculum for a school system, or model an integrated literacy and social studies curriculum with the Common Core Standards. I am so eager to work, that I work round the clock and finish quickly, aching for more work. I was hoping that joining Linked In would help me find the part-time jobs to keep me busy and in the loop.
So Ellen, I use social networks to reunite friends I’ve made in the past, keep up with all of my friends, gain knowledge, give knowledge, and network for a rewarding job. When I talk to my friends, and I read a heart-warming article, I too, am a member of my family with a smile on my face.