#TeacherEdChat Archive
We invite all educators to contribute to the conversation of preparing preservice teachers as well as practicing teachers for the realities of the 21st-century classroom. This includes principals, in-service teachers, university supervisors of student teachers, education professors, higher education administration, instructional technology specialists, and so on. Anyone with a vested interest in supporting our teachers in preparation for teaching the diverse K-12 student population is invited to participate.
Monday October 17, 2016
Welcome to the ! Our topic is professional learning networks (PLNs).
The moderators tonight are , , & me. We are looking forward to the conversation!
Who is joining us? Tweet your name, location, & institution. Don’t forget to use each time you tweet.
Joining now from Connecticut where I teach graduate educate courses.
I’m Dr. Jeff Carpenter, Elon, NC, from Elon University, Associate Professor & Director of the Elon Teaching Fellows Program
(Kristina) Milledgeville, Georgia—Georgia College—Middle School Education
I'm Lilly Weitzel, a pre-service teacher from Grove City College.
We will be using a Q1, A1 format to keep the conversation connected.
Hi, Karen from NCSU in Raleigh
I'm Dan Krutka of - I teach K-12 pre-service teachers & formerly taught high school social studies.
welcome Lillian! are you a minion? ;)
Thanks for joining Lilly and Karen!
Be sure to follow everyone who participates in the this evening!
After the chat, be sure to visit our PLN site about our research with articles, podcasts, & more: https://t.co/BNehRThN3u
Excellent site. Visited it before
Q1: Describe a professional learning network (PLN) ? Who is in your PLN? How do you connect?
Also, don’t miss the , which is starting right now (topic: Professional Learning Networks)
Dan, business teacher from St. Louis.
Hi all! I'm Katie from IL- I teach 3rd grade!
Sorry I late. Nathan you know the rest
A1: My PLN consists of edtech e-newsletters, Twitter chats, conferences & unconferences, researchers, students, educators
Taylor - preservice secondary math from Elon University!
RT : Q1: Describe a professional learning network (PLN) ? Who is in your PLN? How do you connect?
A1: A PLN consists of different platforms that professionals can use to collaborate.
Hi - Vincent from Monterrey, Mexico - int’l literacy consultant.
A1 my PLN is sometimes goofy and a little weird but always helpful and supportive
A1: group of individuals coming together to share common topic. All individuals who share the same passion. TWITTER!
A1: My PLN right now is mainly on Twitter because the people ROCK!
A1: My PLN involves professional organizations, meet-up at conferences, EdCamps and online communities like Twitter
Hi Julie here from FL Consulting Co. & husband-wife team
A1: pln= personal (relationships w/ teachers, admin, community), learning (share ideas&grow), network=your global group
A1: mine is and I help run the WL preservice teacher
A1: My PLN consists of geographically close f2f friends, geographically distant digital friends, & a lot of ed tweeters.
A1: My PLN ranges from teachers, administrators, coaches, parents from all different parts of the world - gotta love Twitter!
A1: I see PLN make up dependent on what my needs, or the needs of the group are. Face to Face, Email, Phone
. Yes, forging global connections via tools like Twitter excellent way to build PLN
A1 your PLN can include tools like Pinterest where you can follow certain people by pinning their ideas
A1: My PLN currently consists of fellow pre-service teachers as well as my professors.
A1: cont. my PLN includes my grade level team, instructional coach, professors/cohort members, & twitter world,
Are you thinking of adding Twitter to your PLN?
I feel strongly about an "authentic" group coming together to investigate shared interest. Not a group being told what to do
A1: Starting podcast in the spring w/ fellow co-leader has been great way to learn & share.
A1: also my PLN consists of anyone willing to listen to my questions
it can get so much bigger - widen the network!
Yes, it's very important to connect with people who can provide multiple perspectives and diverse opinions
foreshadowing a later question!
Also follow hashtags of interest to your future goals as a teacher
Twitter is awesome!!! Tbh I hated it at first but it's so helpful
I love the idea of Pinterest. I suggested this to admins recently looking for shared authentic collaboration.
yes! Can't forget about all the blogs, Instagrams, TPTs, and Pinterest!
as you participate in chats, follow the folks that you are having great conversations with
Takes some getting used to Twitter to see how it can be used professionally and to build a PLN
Very true! Sometimes, we don't even know the extent of our PLNs :)
A1 My PLN consists of people met at conferences & in Twitter chats
A1 my started on twitter and grew to a nat'l conference where I met my mentors irl
Yes, the organic way educators explore common interests is invigorating & really fits w/ adult learning (androgogy).
of course! This is how you grow as an educator, see things from new and different perspectives
Q2: What is the most important thing you have learned from your PLN?
I've only been on twitter a week/two & I've already learned and implemented so much!
Once you get connected, learning never ends :) :)
A2: that many teachers want to grow professionally, plus cool ideas for teaching WL
Stay with Twitter and you will continue to find more teaching ideas
A2: to be flexible and responsive to my Ss needs and my needs; to try new things & get Ss engaged
A2: to be flexible and responsive to my Ss needs and my needs; to try new things & get Ss engaged
A2: that I always have something to learn from someone out there. Connecting with others helps me grow and become better.
I felt it especially as an Instructional Coach. I didn't even really have a team when I started. My PLN was my support.
Hats off to you, ! I'm pushing the Twitterverse in my grad class this term. https://t.co/PIMLVxiSLx
I've only been on twitter a week/two & I've already learned and implemented so much!
A2: I have learned to develop a growth mindset!
yes, & if you can’t find those fellow motivated ppl at your school, you can still find them! https://t.co/MvBZqqOvqS
A2: that many teachers want to grow professionally, plus cool ideas for teaching WL
A2 The most important thing I've learned from my PLN is that I have a voice & it matters/people want to hear it
I liked it so much I double hash tagged :) https://t.co/DwEo6NfR5u
A2: to be flexible and responsive to my Ss needs and my needs; to try new things & get Ss engaged
A2: I can always ask a question - and someone either has an answer - or can lead me to where to find the answer.
A2: Educators do not function in silos. https://t.co/6vJ0S61nIN
A2 The most important thing I've learned from my PLN is that I have a voice & it matters/people want to hear it
A2: Learning evolves; we find it all sorts of places including online spaces like Twitter. We learn about learning.
A2 to be yourself and let your students do the same
A2: Building a diverse PLN has been valuable bc I know educators w/ expertise who can help answer my Qs...usually about tech.
I have tried it in my courses and find push back, but see change/time. I am look forward to intro my cohort soon.
Tina Mitchell signing in from in Dover, DE
A2: I have learned that there are others with great ideas and struggles too!!!
Same is also true for teachers in grad program; they also need to stick with Twitter to see its benefits
A2: I learned how to teach, write, and conduct research - so pretty much everything I know about my job is from my PLN
I have already learned & implemented new ideas from twitter; it's important to be flexible and open as a learned
always great when you you can play to each other's strengths and become better.
Q3 coming up in 1 minute!
Need to allow class time to use Twitter, exchange ideas, and use class hashtag for sharing
A2 you do not have to be serious all the time. Let your hair down once in a while
Q3: Why should pre-service teachers develop professional learning networks?
One of the many reasons my students are on Twitter. https://t.co/8IiL0DTkcI
A2: I have learned to develop a growth mindset!
Also the opportunity to be a professional. Just b/c not admin or coach does not mean you can't contribute.
i didn’t get Twitter when I 1st tried it. fortunately encouraged me to give it 2nd chance
A2: I have also learned the value of collaboration from my PLN
A2: My PLN continues to remind that failure is ok - it’s opportunities in the making. Allows us 2 reflect, learn &be better.
A3 So they can go ahead & be modeling great practices from the get-go, have already learned a lot, & have a support system
Hello from Dallas, Texas! I teach 3rd all subjects.
I love meeting my PLN tweeps in person at conferences
A3: Pre-service teachers in particular tend to have limited exposure to education field, & so growing a PLN can be vital
👍🏻Look forward to checking this out. It Thanx!
Read and remember, students! https://t.co/DDzOEV7qdf
Stay with Twitter and you will continue to find more teaching ideas
A3: my whole dissertation is based on this premise! Haha
A3: Preservice Ts NEED PLNS because learning from experienced Ts is the best way to grow!!
A3: to explore the diverse teaching styles, strategies, needs; to begin to develop relationships that reach beyond own clsrm
A3: Pre-service teachers need to expand their horizons & develop confidence, & a PLN can help w/ that
Didn't know is on Twitter! Love to keep up with favorite ed authors.
yep, i have heard of this happening from multiple people
A2: There are so many resources out there to support your learning.
A3 Teachers need to be leaders IN learning. PLN is a great way to garner support & to grow professionally.
Thanks for sharing, Torrey
A2: It's great to build your PLN b/c you never know when you're going to need someone for something!
Q3: Help them to develop their "teacher" identity. This will follow them to the field, and into their own classrooms
A3 have a 24/7 resource to ask questions and get support
A3: PLN plays an integral role in becoming an educator today.
A3: A PLN helps those new to the education field learn of perspectives beyond their own institution
yup because sometimes the professors want to sleep https://t.co/m5LgJSxQuL
A3 have a 24/7 resource to ask questions and get support
A3: helps them begin making connections. Let them know they aren't the only ones going through it.
A3: PLNs allow pre service teachers to continue learning. . .becoming a teacher is not a finality - it’s a beginning!
Great stuff Torrey! I look forward to digging more into this. Thx for sharing
connections they can take with them beyond graduation https://t.co/cc646Rqj3H
A3: helps them begin making connections. Let them know they aren't the only ones going through it.
Me as a pre-service teacher learn a lot from other's teaching experience and practical ideas. PLN is refreshing resources.
A3: I just found out about the the benefits of Twitter! All pre-service Ts should!
this is so important! Having limited experience makes it difficult when teaching in different environments
A wider view is quite the gift. Also see teachers who are building their own learning ='s great modeling
exactly! Maybe even a resume booster or connection for potential jobs.
Keep going...this is good stuff 😉
A3: Introducing pre-service teachers to a PLN like Twitter helps them establish connections & discover teaching strategies
this https://t.co/0YMaDehleX
A3: PLNs allow pre service teachers to continue learning. . .becoming a teacher is not a finality - it’s a beginning!
A3 Not to mention your PLN is a great source when you are looking for a new job too. LOL!
Totally agree. https://t.co/5rdg4RrYkl
Moreover - in my PLN, I try to invite those who differ with my perspective -allows me to learn more - opening minds… https://t.co/J6cZs8GE29
. Yes, forging global connections via tools like Twitter excellent way to build PLN
A3: Pre-service teachers through hashtags can follow professional conferences and access resources via links
A3: W/the job market as it is, it's in their best interest to connect w/as many folks as possible. What other way to do it?
Q4: What are some good ways for pre-service teachers to develop professional learning networks?
Yes! There are so many things pre-service Ts can learn from their PLNs!
A4: Pre-service teachers need professors who are willing to model how to forge PLN's
A3: When you need help crafting a lesson or finding a resource, throw it out to your PLN and watch w… https://t.co/nCw7o9bumj
A3: Pre-service teachers through hashtags can follow professional conferences and access resources via links
A3: The learning opportunities are numerous!
Hey and check out right now. It's for pre-service teachers like you
A4: Connect with others. Often only have a couple of CTs so need to meet other tchrs
A3: Offers great perspective! It's always cool to see how folks do teaching and learning differently in other places!
A4 Participating or at least following chats like this. Many awesome people here tonight to connect with.
A4: I have found that twitter chats and pinterest are great ways to start developing my PLN
I agree - modeling how to engage in learning with a PLN should be a required skill for all teacher educators
I am newer to Twitter too. I hope that my students will be pros by the time they are out teaching.
A4: REACH OUT TO PEOPLE...don't listen to your mom...you CAN talk to strangers they're so friendly
A4 pick a small chat and start there. Get to know people. Find real people
A4: It's important for pre-service teachers to develop a PLN before they student teach to garner a wide perspective
A4 Go across the hall and talk to teachers other than their mentor. Find edcamps and other free opps too
YES! Going beyond the lurking is key.
A4: The students the pre-service teachers will have will be agile with tech. A PLN can help pre-service teachers keep up
Yes, Twitter and Pinterest are great tools for connecting and learning! I also use G+ communities and Feedly
Use all of those tools but have cut back on Pinterest
A4 Twitter livechat is really a good way for me to develop PLN. I didn't realize twitter can be so amazing in prof field.
In my classes we have a class hashtag, but I encourage Ss to share tweets by adding other relevant hashtags.
Especially if they offer you candy. https://t.co/7VoWJfDjhZ
A4: REACH OUT TO PEOPLE...don't listen to your mom...you CAN talk to strangers they're so friendly
Yes, adding other hashtags will help the students forge more connections
Ideas on sharing one iPad with 3 learners focusing on the same skill at the same time.....go!
If you are a content area teacher, find your content area colleagues in the Twitterverse. Ex. https://t.co/3tIjFgwYd7
Q4: What are some good ways for pre-service teachers to develop professional learning networks?
A4: Used to require my classes to participate in an . We have to give them the opportunity to play. Offers exposure.
A4: hopefully they are placed with knowledgeable mentor teachers; explore different groups within st teaching
I admit I'm new to this PLN stuff on twitter, it's a whole new world. What do we mean by pre-service teachers?
A4: Let them investigate benefits. Interview people. Buy-in would be great so it is not just another assignment
A4: join twitter and other social media sites and be active&involved
A4: go to an edcamp -- really, you need to.... it will rock your world.... https://t.co/Imk2ChaOal
A4 Go across the hall and talk to teachers other than their mentor. Find edcamps and other free opps too
Exactly follow hashtags in your discipline and grade level (e.g. , , )
Just saw happening Hi all I'm Brian!
Those who are getting credentialed to teach, usually undergraduates
A2: The value of hearing what your team is doing and to exchange input. Plus it builds community so you don't feel alone.
It will open doors for you without a doubt. https://t.co/3isbKuPsMv
Exactly follow hashtags in your discipline and grade level (e.g. , , )
I'm guessing student teachers and people in programs to become teachers
agreed! But you need to be open and understanding that differing philosophies can be a value
Q5. How could/do you encourage pre-service teachers to create PLNs that include different & challenging perspectives?
A4: I usually start by having my students setup a RSS reader (Feedly) or subscribe to some e-newsletters (e.g.,Smartbriefs)
A2 twitter never sleeps, so I can always find information
A4 Never be shy or ashamed to share ur thoughts and raise questions if you are new Ts. All Ts are so willing to help.
and follow Doug and his rowdy bunch of misfits
Twitter ---> It's 24/7 PD - Free and accessible ANYWHERE! https://t.co/5Jk87gBO7l
A2 twitter never sleeps, so I can always find information
A5 I say, "Look around and make sure you don't have an echo echo echo echo chamber chamber chamber mber ber er r
I'm glad I had some teachers show me the ropes. We need 2 advocate 2 new Ts.
A5. important for pre-service teachers 2 check out hashtags such as & follow tweeps in those spaces
A5: For my graduate students, work w/ interdisciplinary teams, share in class, follow ed hashtags that intrigue you
A5 find topics that you may not agree with. I hunt for S and ends with R
I agree! A3: It's so nice to not reinvent the wheel and learn from others all of the field and around the world.
Indeed! https://t.co/3uqDYsLy64
A4: Pre-service teachers need professors who are willing to model how to forge PLN's
A5 get to know as many people as possible, don't be afraid to add your voice, but also ask questions & form your own ideas
A5: Encourage them to look into an educational hashtag in their subject area.
A5: To get started, I ask pre-service teachers to follow 5 common accounts, 5 in their area, & 5 from different perspective.
A5: Ask pre-service Ts to analyze their PLNs - who do they follow, what do they learn, and reflect on whether it's diverse
A5 don't just follow people like you, find ppl make you look at things differently --don't be afraid of controversy
A5: Hashtags yes, but make sure your PLN isn't just retweeters. Take time to research those you follow too.
Present! Currently writing a lesson plan for food web activity tomorrow!
definitely! There's so many great ideas out there and people doing amazing things! Also: BLOGS!!
yes look around and avoid the echo, echo, echo
A5: encourage & provide time to meet&observe other teachers/classrooms
Spider-Man with food. That sounds awesome
I agree! These two just opened the doors for me and I can see the benefits already!
Hey, you can't be chatting! You have work to do! *whip crack*
Another good source to share in class. Thanks for the reminder
A5: connecting with in service teachers from other places helps show perspectives
A5: Pre-service teachers could create a Storify archive of a chat and then analyze that chat for varied perspectives
I think you can get worker's comp for that
What does it mean if I RT this because I think it is very wise? ;) https://t.co/VN21nbxHdu
A5: Hashtags yes, but make sure your PLN isn't just retweeters. Take time to research those you follow too.
Ts should follow what they are interested in & follow new ideas that may be challenging.
Yes! Put Ss in charge of analyzing and reflecting on their PLN learning
Yes, & also follow people from different countries & try hashtags like to see what others tweet
A5:The more these practices are practiced in-class the more they might see it as typical than atypical and something to avoid
Not an answer to anything, but twitter has connected me to researchers that would otherwise be inaccessible!
I was about to start reading but... then I got invited to a chat :) Good job V
https://t.co/3JfjQX74ia
and learning from their successes and what they would do differently - although different Ss that is helpful!
Q6: What are your recommendations for specific people or spaces that pre-service teachers should include in their PLNs?
A5: A good chat for pre-service teachers to consider lurking is where superintendents & admin post
I haven't dived into blogs yet except through pinterest and those have been great to explore!
A6: for anyone teaching math is a must. LIFECHANGING.
A6: Be sure to check the and affiliate sites and to follow varied resources on Twitter
make sure your pln are people, build the relationships to feel comfortable being contradictory
This is important in a PLN, but also just as a professional. Part of building teacher professional identity.
A6: There are a ton of grade level and content area chats
A6. Pre-service teachers should look 4 alumni from their program & teachers from field placement schools to include in PLN
A6: as people mentioned, search hashtags that interest you; take time to look their their feed
A6 Come play at Weds 7pst. Hit and follow and . And
A6 ignore the big names not named and find people that post real ideas not puff
Is there a way to say hash tags through twitter? Or should I be writing down a list of them at home?
A6: Follow those you wish to emulate..... teacher leaders, principals, etc. https://t.co/d1pAe3dO25
Q6: What are your recommendations for specific people or spaces that pre-service teachers should include in their PLNs?
A6: Pre-service teachers might follow education hashtag for their state or state where they'll be looking for positions
A6: visual learners can learn a ton from Instagram&blogs, twitter of course is latest&greatest
A6: Local edcamps can offer pre-service teachers great ways to find innovators in their area.
https://t.co/FKfwsu1r3L
A5 don't just follow people like you, find ppl make you look at things differently --don't be afraid of controversy
I agree. I've been taught to constantly asked for rationale, watch for scaffolding, and look for integration.
👍🏻Also a good lesson in data analysis. (A5)
A6 find a chat that is about the grade level that you want to be in. Learn from those who are there
Great point, . That's what happened to me when I went to Edcamp Boston many moons ago..... https://t.co/kQjkicuHEh
A6: Local edcamps can offer pre-service teachers great ways to find innovators in their area.
A6: Pre-service teachers should follow a variety of educators.
A6: It is important for Ts to have online PLNs, but Ts should also make time for real-life class exposure
A6: State educational hashtags offer a great way to get involved in local issues also.
Would I just start searching randomly or is there is systematic way to find them? Does that make sense?
Agreed, visiting classrooms of colleagues is a supportive way to improve in your craft.
A6: Following conference hastags that are of interest and look at the presenters and attendees
I like that! See what they are reading and what resources they are tapping into! Thanks!
Make sure they find some people who know how to have fun with their tweets. All work and no play is boring.
Start by perusing people that participants of this chat follow .... https://t.co/ZHICimqxoC
Would I just start searching randomly or is there is systematic way to find them? Does that make sense?
Google "education Twitter chats" and you'll find a link. Over 200 hashtags in edu!
Q7 - What other advice do you have for pre-service teachers (or teacher educators!) looking to grow through PLNs?
A safe place to start might be teachers they had in school as well as their professors.
what's a storified archive?
That's how it started for me!
Subscribe to regional ed news sites (often thru a local paper) so you are up on local issues and schools.
A7 Follower count has nothing to do with quality. Don't be fooled by "Twitter fame". Look for good content and interaction.
A6: Also, key advocacy groups such as for middle grades.
A7: Avoid lurking all the time. Speak up! Engage! https://t.co/J9tSHG9QBF
Q7 - What other advice do you have for pre-service teachers (or teacher educators!) looking to grow through PLNs?
A6: Textbook authors, and authors of articles that you are reading.
I will be creating one at the end of this chat and posting it here. Check back for the example.
It seems very on point to the discussion :) Thanks for the comment.
A6: My YA lit class followed YA authors, and YA advocacy groups such as
A7: be open to differing opinions, reach out to other experts in your buildings, and seek out advice & support
A7 PD should be ongoing, it's fun not a chore, surround yourself with positive ppl, ask 4 help when u need it, try, innovate
You're a research and teaching rock star!
A6: Make sure to talk with the SPED T, ELL T, Title One, Librarian, Music T, Counselors, etc. Learn all perspectives & ask ?s
A7: Identify a challenge you face in your practice and expand your PLN so you can address that challenge
A7: They are the future Ts of tomorrow, their ideas and fresh insights are welcomed!
Great Resource ! Thanks! 😀
so important! There are so many changes that occur every day in the classroom.
A7 Follow outside the education space. Inspiration comes from everywhere. Be a human. Don't create a closed loop.
Thanks 4 participating in tonite’s - Join on 10/24/16 to discuss Intentional School Culture.
Connect w/ people and organizations outside of education, esp leaders in their field
Many thanks to for leading tonight on the critical topic of Building a PLN
Thank you for being a part of my PLN & such a great chat tonight!
Thanks to everyone for participating in ! That was fun. Big props to for supporting this chat. :)
Use your PLN as a sounding board https://t.co/lhZG60gOt0
A7: Identify a challenge you face in your practice and expand your PLN so you can address that challenge
I'm trying to find time and ways to tap into those resources, not wasting anyone's time and having purpose.
I highly recommend using tweetdeck to follow certain hashtags of interest
Good point! I need to expand.
Thanks and and everyone for sharing!
Thank you all for joining tonight. I will post an archive of the chat with Storify, so check back.
tchat.io is my favorite tool for following Twitter chats (you can pause the chat!)
