First Three to Being a Connected Educator

Today I had the fun of being a guest tweeter. (That was a first!) I was the connected educator of the day at @ConnectedEd thanks to Karen Fasimpaur‘s appeal on Sunday.  It’s weird…I’m usually a little more shy on Twitter, but today I tweeted and RTed like a maniac.

One thing I tweeted was:

I guess I wasn’t surprised to hear what topped the list–Twitter. (The list below is in order by how many times each was mentioned. Twitter and blogging were by far mentioned most often. The others were mentioned 1-3 times each.)

So, if you are a future connected educator, jump in and use one of these tools to join or extend your connections!

If you are already a connected educator, what tools and communities did you use to get connected?

Thanks to @CoughlinLaura, @JoyKirr, @NCarroll24, @KTVee, @Gallit_Z , @HughtheTeacher, @tdallen5, @Desjaras for sharing what helped them become connected.

Chief Learner

 I used to teach my students,

But now, as chief learner in my classroom, we create learning together.

I used to use technology to enhance student learning,

But now I empower geniuses to use technology to connect, create, contribute, and collaborate.

I once was the teacher up front,

But now I sit in a student desk elbow-to-elbow with learners.

If I could I would give the gift of lifelong learning to every child.

I would always be patient and guide them to their passions.

I will not quit my quest to inspire and empower them,

But I need them to keep inspiring and empowering me as well.

I’m not always successful,

But I do love them and will keep telling them they are geniuses until they believe it.

I won’t give up,

But I get discouraged when students can’t seem to unlearn the old ways.

I used to teach my students,

But now I am the chief learner in my classroom.

~Denise Krebs

August, 2012. It’s been a busy month.

Early in the month, I had a week of relaxing vacation where all I did was read and hike. Then I came back to a classroom needing attention. Now, I’ve just finished my first full week of a new school year.

It’s also Connected Educator Month, where I have had three awesome experiences!

It’s been a great month! I wrote the poem above because I was inspired by my connections. Thank you, PLN!

Extending the Conversation During Connected Educator Month

Original image by Sheri Edwards teach.eagle

Today, as part of Connected Educator’s Month, Sheri Edwards and I led a webinar called “Extend the Conversation.”

It was invigorating and empowering to share our story of how we journeyed to become connected educators. Sheri and I extended our conversation by learning lots of new things in the last couple of weeks as we prepared and presented. I love being a connected educator!

We had a small group in attendance, but the webinar was taped and archived on Vimeo. Here are some links if you’d like to check it out.

P2PU – Peer to Peer University, who hosted our webinar. Thanks to Karen (@kfasimpaur)

Extend the Conversation Chat Archive

Extend the Conversation website

Extend the Conversation on Vimeo

Join Us!

Sheri Edwards and I will be leading a webinar next Saturday for Connected Educator Month. Sheri created this “trailer” to give you a preview of our presentation. (She is constantly teaching me something new! I’m so glad I’m connected!)

We hope you will join us as we share our own stories of extending the conversation and becoming connected educators. Thanks!

Give a Little Bit from Sheri Edwards on Vimeo.