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Connected Learner and Coach (Reflection 1 EDCI 325)



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My professor asked us to indicate our Twitter use very early on in our EDCI 325 course.  I identified as a user, but not exactly a part of my everyday life. At the time, I had limited use and truly only tweeted and engaged on occasions that I wanted to appear connected with technology.  It was more for show and not for learning. I can now say that because of this course, I see how my PLN communities (all thanks to Twitter) will be invaluable resources for my next adventure in the world of education.  

It began with the mandatory book study and what was seemingly the least time-consuming assignment that I had been given.  I’ll read a chapter or two a week, give a couple of short responses, and that piece of the course would be an easy thing to check off.  Boy, was I wrong! This assignment created a playground for me in my professional learning and keeps leading me to new and exciting opportunities.  I have been engaging with experts in the field of AR/VR. It was so empowering to know that I could talk with Jaime Donnally on Wednesday nights and learn more about AR/VR.  Although I typically go to bed at 8, I found myself excitedly staying up until 9 just to engage in her Twitter Chats. I learned about many amazing resources AR/VR resources including Nearpod and Drawmatic AR. I am also going to propose that we have some representation from City School at the next Jim Knight PD conference to set a goal for continuing to learn and grow in my PLN.   I have not only learned about these resources but immediately developed lessons. The minute I see a possibility, I learn more about it and find ways to immediately implement those ideas. This is how I know I will be successful at continuing to learn and grow and can then share this knowledge as an educational leader.

Nearpod messaged me!  I know, I know, you’re probably a bit jealous.  But they literally direct messaged me on Twitter and asked how I used the lesson, what I thought of it, and if I could provide any feedback for them.  Not only does this show a connected learner but one that will continue to enhance and promote the newest technologies in my classroom and my school community.  The premade lesson library is fantastic and the filters when you are searching for content are super helpful. You can look by subject, free/paid, and they even have a filter for AR/VR components.  I was lucky enough to be engaging in a fun poetry unit right before February break and found an amazing lesson called “Conjuring the Senses”. This lesson took us a few days to complete, but it was absolutely worth it.  Students were thinking deeply about word choice and how they impact the mood of the poem. It was incredible to see some of my quietest students thrive during this type of lesson. Students I hadn’t heard from much this year were some of my most active participants.  They all loved the collaborate board and being able to share and see one another’s work. They especially loved the “like” button on this part of the lesson. I appreciated that I had the ability to filter responses and share work that I thought would help move us in the direction of understanding imagery.  It held students accountable for the answers too because if they wanted their work shared, it needed to be relevant. It also allowed me to see which student(s) needed work on digital citizenship. There were one or two of course. 

I have been apart of one slow chat, several live chats, and a member of several PLNs and hashtags to stay connected as a leader.  Some of my favorites are #etcoaches #pencilchat #educoach #ARVRinedu #vted #edci325. It began by participating in the mandatory chats and PLNs from my professor but has evolved to so much more.  I can now say that I am an ultra engaged member of Twitter. I check in every day, if not twice a day, to see what is new and evolving in the educational world. I have discovered new articles and ideas that I’ve shared with my principal and she has thanked me for being so connected and passing along resources that she can use with the SACS staff.  It is helping me stay current and reading relevant information that will help our whole school learn and grow. My new found love of Twitter is going to benefit everyone and I am thrilled to say I am now obsessed!

I am committed to staying current and relevant on Twitter and beyond.  I will continue to expand and join PLNs using social media to stay connected to the ever-changing innovations in pedagogy and the advancements in learning sciences.  I will continue to implement the newest technologies into my classroom and will share with my colleagues the successes, failures, and tips & tricks to be successful.  

Teaching constructed response using VR & the Apollo 1 Mission Anniversary



AR Paper, sample flashcard, and practice worksheets to enhance writing skills
Wakelet QR and link for connected learner evidence
Conjuring the Senses poetry lesson using Nearpod & VR (sample responses)

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