Blog 7 –
Professional Learning Network
This has been a very useful learning experience. I enjoyed using Digg Reader to gather
information on topics of interest. I had
never used a tool like Digg before. It
was wonderful to be able to identify the types of information I wanted up
front, add the sites of interest to Digg, and then watch how Digg pulls the
most current information into a one-stop shop for my use. Not only was this a time saver, but it was an
excellent way to stay on top of cutting edge news without having to actively
search for it each time. The sites that I added to Digg Reader were related to my areas of interest: ESL, investing, and current job opportunities in the educational field.
I also enjoyed becoming a member of TeachersPayTeachers.com. I consider this an affinity group. It is an ever-expanding group of teachers who
either sell or post free versions of lesson plans they have developed. What an amazing way to tap into others’
creative powers. It is also a great way to share what has worked for me. This is a great version of a “think-tank” in
a way.
I checked out the Adult Education ESL materials and found many good tools. I also began thinking about things that I too can share with teachers. Throughout the years, I have utilized many successful ESL teaching methods that may be of benefit to others.
Teachers are the best resources for what does and doesn’t work in a classroom. I have purchased many useless resources created by removed publishers and content writers. TeachersPayTeachers.com is going to remain a resource I cherish throughout my teaching career.
I checked out the Adult Education ESL materials and found many good tools. I also began thinking about things that I too can share with teachers. Throughout the years, I have utilized many successful ESL teaching methods that may be of benefit to others.
Teachers are the best resources for what does and doesn’t work in a classroom. I have purchased many useless resources created by removed publishers and content writers. TeachersPayTeachers.com is going to remain a resource I cherish throughout my teaching career.
Blogging was also extremely fun.
I always check to see how many people have viewed my posts and where they
are from. I don’t know how people in
other parts of the world come across my blogs but they do. I think I will continue blogging long after
this class is done because I can keep adding useful information for people at
large to utilize. Some topics of
interest I would like to continue blogging about include Skype and ESL. Other topics that I would like to begin
blogging about are website design and Microsoft Office products. I believe my God-given gift is teaching. Once I grasp a subject, I know how to make it
easy for others to grasp it as well. So,
I think I can keep blogging a part of my life forever.
Twitter was interesting. I
am not sure that I want to post daily and check for comments for social reasons only. I may utilize it for educational purposes down the road. I can see the potential benefits, including engaging hyper students who may not have the attention span to focus on a lecture. It may be a good way to engage them and sneak
in some education through a medium they already utilize.
I feel that educational multimedia must be used in today's classroom. The more that
a teacher knows in this area the better off she will be. Why fight what students love. They love Twitter, Instagram, Facebook,
Youtube, and searching the Internet. If
we can reach them using methods and tools they already embrace, we will be able
to get them to learn more. In contrast,
if we insist on books, pencils, and paper, we will have lost them before even
beginning.
I have started an ESL blog that I plan to continue adding material
to. I would love to use my final project
ESL website as a foundation upon which to build and add more materials. I also love how Dr. McGarvey uses a learning
management system to keep things organized and to archive and repurpose
lessons, tweaking them as needed. Why
keep reinventing the wheel and losing lessons?
I would love to take on the challenge of utilizing a learning management
system, creating an excellent ESL program, and teaching my students how to
access their lessons online.
