A New Adventure
Through a very
unpredictable series of events, I will be living in Toledo, Ohio for the next
ten months. As I consider myself the consummate “Philly Girl,” I anticipated a
relatively rough transition. However, the strength of my digital network has
completely astonished and surprised me. In short, I realized that I my
colleagues can support me regardless of my postal address!
As soon as I unpacked
my laptop and router, my thought partners were available. I could debate essential
questions with Marybeth Hertz via email, Skype with a former teaching partner
to discuss a new guided reading series, or blog about all the drive thru
chilidog stations in Toledo. In short, I picked up right where I left off.
New Relationship Dynamics
Although I still miss
cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, my first days in Toledo have caused me to evaluate
and reflect upon the strength of digital ties. While I know that many of my
Twitter followers are a far cry from “true friends,” I do believe that the
close digital relationships we cultivate persist beyond temporal changes. Due
to the mix of personal and professional interactions that I have shared with
some members of my professional learning network (PLN), these people have
become much more than avatars on a screen. They’ve become friends.
I believe teachers who
are engaging in digital professional development are committed, highly
responsive educators who crave intellectual stimulation and debate. They aren’t
intimidated by change or sharing across long distances.
The Student Connection
When I consider how my
access to people, ideas, and conversations has become almost entirely
location-independent, it causes me to consider the implications that this holds
for our students (a.k.a. the future workforce). Given the power of modern
networks, we need to explicitly teach students how to broaden their experiences
and influence via social media. We need students to be able to FIND:
·
People with similar questions- Today’s students need to clearly articulate
their questions about the world using public spaces. This will help them find
people who share their questions, interests, and curiosities. For example, I
have many questions about the best ways to design online learning environments.
By sharing this interest with my social networks, I have met Matthieu Plourde,
Ted Borgiovanni, and many others who have helped me refine my curiosity in this
area. Students need to be able to do the same.
·
A healthy balance of personal and
professional sharing- Where
is the line between personal friends and professional contacts? Social media
and digital networks have only served to further blur this distinction.
Students need to know how to cultivate a professional image that isn’t dull or
impersonal. For example, a picture of my napping puppy can help my followers feel
as if they know me. However, only posting personal information makes you irrelevant
and superficial. Students need to be able to navigate this gray area.
·
Confidence that collaboration can happen
regardless of location- Since
workplaces desire graduates that can flexibly work from anywhere, we need to
teach our students that this is possible. Maybe students can work from a coffee
shop one day instead of coming to class. Perhaps a study group can be held on a
digital hangout. Helping our students to see all places as workspaces will give
them the confidence they need to be effective in settings where remote work is
required. (This was a skill that I’ve had to teach myself in the last few
years. Boy, do I wish I had some previous practice in this area!)
Forging Ahead
I am thrilled with the
challenges that lie ahead for me over the next ten months, and I am excited
about the new people I will meet. However, it’s reassuring to know that my
favorite colleagues are a few clicks away. Digital ties run deep.
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