Professional Learning Networks

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This past month I've worked on developing my online professional learning network- or my community of fellow educators. I have created this blog, a website, and a professional twitter account in order to connect and share information with other educators and professionals. 
Most teachers know about Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers, but Twitter is a goldmine of free information and resources!

I'm only following about 30 accounts so far, but I've already found great resources I can use in the classroom. There are several accounts run by reputable educational organizations like Edutopia. These accounts frequently post links to studies and "best practices". I loved reading this article about strategies for systematically teaching social and emotional skills. 
Personal Image from Twitter

I have also followed a few individual teachers. They've posted some fun activities and lesson plan ideas in #edchats (educational chats). 

Personal Image from Twitter


I participated in an #edchat run by @teachbetterteam. Teach Better Team is a popular account that posted this article about neuroscience and designing "brain-based" activities for students. 
Although it initially felt awkward responding to individuals I did not know, the #edchat provided a great opportunity to extend my professional learning network online.
Personal Image from Twitter

My online professional learning network still has training wheels, but I look forward to developing it further. And I recommend all educators create a professional twitter account!
Feel free to tweet me at @FlahSarah on my professional Twitter account.

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