Random Ramblings

For quite some time I have been convincing myself that the educators in my county need “somewhere” we can meet to talk about the technology use in our classrooms and schools.  On Friday, I sent out the following email to several teachers in our county:

Hello all!

My name is Danita Russell and I am the ITF for Bragg Street, SanLee, and West Lee. In my learning of technology and 21st century skills, I have connected with many people from all around the globe. A common thread amongst these people is the love of technology. I decided that we needed a place for those of us in Lee County to gather and share our interest in technology.

Because of your love of technology and use of it in your classroom, you have been recommended by one of the county ITF’s to join our Professional Leaning Network (PLN). This PLN will be made up of educators that share like-minded ideals as yourself. We are all trying to incorporate technology into our lessons and engage our students as much as possible. Through this PLN, we can share ideas, lessons, thoughts, concerns, and anything else that will enable us to be better educators. Although you have been invited, please don’t see this as an inclusive group. We just needed somewhere to start and some people to get us up and going. Feel free to invite any others that share this same passion.

So, I am proposing that we form a group of technology like-minded people who would like to get together to share ideas. If you are interested in getting together with other educators that share your love of technology, then this is the place for you! I would like for us to have a meet and greet on Thursday, March 19th at 3:00 (-ish or whenever you can come) in room 601 at SanLee Middle. Please RSVP to let me know you are coming so I know how much food to prepare.

I have made a NING for us to share our ideas. When you choose to join our PLN, you can add anything that crosses your mind on our Ning. The Ning is located at:

http://leecountyeducators.ning.com

The Ning is an online location for us to meet virtually. As you read the Ning, notice that there is an online virtual conference on April 23rd. I hope that you can join us at SanLee on the 23rd of April for fellowship and learning. Bring a snack or dinner and something to drink and we’ll make a fun time of learning new ideas.

Thank you for all you do for our students in preparing them to be 21st century learners. Although it may not be measured directly on a state test, what you are doing is immeasurable in lifelong skills.

I look forward to meeting all of you both virtually and in person!
Danita

Since Friday, I have had 8 positive responses and 5 people to join the NING. Everyone that has responded has been very positive and excited about joining. I hope that as the day and week goes on, more and more will join. I know we need to start small and take baby steps (isn’t this what Jen Wagner calls “BS” – baby steps?). I’m hoping that the excitement spreads and we have more and more people join us.

Have you used NINGs or PLN in your school system? Any helpful hints you can give me to help us be more successful?

Until next time~ Danita