Professional Learning Networks

Twitter/X

Who knew that we could use social media to benefit our own careers? When I think of Social Media, I immediately think of platforms used to post for "funsies" and to connect with others in an unprofessional light. Over the past four weeks, my eyes have really opened to the different ways that social media can have a positive impact in my professional career as well. A way of doing this is through professional learning networks.

What are Professional Learning Networks?

Incase you weren't aware (just like I was not), professional learning networks are tools, spaces, and even people, that help you grow in your profession through different means. These past four weeks, I was able to collaborate with complete strangers to better myself as an educator. I immediately turned to the social media platform called, "X". This was previously known as Twitter, until Elon Musk changed the name. I was truly able to see the benefits of professional learning networks after getting myself involved with some on X.

The Benefits

The benefits of professional learning networks definitely outweigh the disadvantages. For one, you are able to continuously learn and stay updated with the latest trends, research, and best practices. Therefore,  you are improving your knowledge and skills all the time. Our world is constantly changing. Technology is constantly updating. With professional learning networks, you are bettering yourself by staying in the loop with these changes. Another benefit is that professional learning networks allow you to collaborate with people who are considered to be "experts" in the field. This was a little intimidating, as I will explain later, but overall, it was so helpful. You are able to seek advice and use these experts as mentors for help and guidance. 

My Experience

My overall experience with professional learning networks was great! I was able to meet so many different people and I was able to learn a lot from them. A great resource I found through my professional learning networks was a post from the TCEA organization. They posted an interesting article that provided fifteen social emotional learning activities for middle schoolers. This was a perfect resource for me because I teach middle school and we have to provide social emotional lessons frequently during our advisory class. For many people, middle school is remembered as the WORST time of schooling. You cared what people thought of you. You cared what you looked like. You wanted to be the person with the most friends and the best friend group. Being a middle school student is tough, especially in this day and age with social media being so prevalent. Social emotional lessons are extremely important for this age group. 

Along with the amazing educational resources I have found, I have also participated in X's slow chats. I never knew these were a thing until I recently took part in one earlier last week. The slow chat I participated in was one about student portfolios and why they are beneficial. I have never used student portfolios before, so I was super excited to hear what others were going to say during the slow chat. Here is what participating in a slow chat looked like: 

Image Source: Personal Photo

It initially started with me introducing myself to the community. I told everyone who I was and my interest with student portfolios. I was really nervous to do this because I was not sure how people would respond. I was pleasantly surprised to see that many people in the network welcomed me with open arms and even asked me what subjects I taught! I immediately felt welcomed into the #FormativeChat community and was even more excited to participate. Soon enough, the questions started to roll out. I did my best to answer the questions to the best of my ability, even though I have little experience with student portfolios. I was nervous my responses would seem silly to people who have been in the field for many many years, but once again, I was pleasantly surprised that others were interested in what I had to say! Here is more of what the slow chat conversation looked like:

Image Source: Personal Photo

Image Source: Personal Photo

As this was my first slow chat, I learned SO much! I am so excited to see what other slow chats I can participate in. It was a little nerve wrecking at first, but once I felt welcomed, I was able to put my nervousness aside and learn more on how to better my students! After participating in this specific slow chat, I am more eager to use student portfolios in my own classroom. I would have been less knowledgeable and maybe not even consider student portfolios if I hadn't participated in this professional learning network. I am learning so much!

Feel free to take a look and follow my X account!