Journal 7 – Professional Learning Network

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.

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.