I have learned that Google is bigger than I imagined. They are amazing. It seems they anticipated a users need before the users and designed tools for it. I am still working through all they offer and finding what fits me. Google reader has been great for keeping track of all my sites.
My PLN is taking shape. I added The Synapse to my list today and found some good groups within the site to join. I also forgot that I am a member of delicious. I haven't used it in the past year but need to start again. Like many, the PLN acronym is new to me. Normally I am all about face-to-face discussions but with my online courses I can appreciate a network that is on my wavelength. I can attest to learning much from my other networks at MSU. Just today I read a posting from my riparian zone class that was for the Bucket Project, collecting water macroorganism data to share online with other schools. This I will use for my class in the fall. A perfect example of gaining great material that will improve the learning of my students in my ecology unit and doing something new in a new way at my school.
On the Synapse site the group I joined is discussing how not to lecture in class. This is a problem I have, too much talking. I needed practical suggestions and my network provided that for me today. I also love that there are others who struggle like me and we can grow as teachers together.
It takes a discerning eye to understand what will benefit learning. This is where my guiding principals will be important. They need to be succinct and forward thinking. I don't have much time during the year to add something new. I want to spend time wisely this summer getting ready for the new year and having all my webtools in place.
I have learned that I need to limit myself time wise. Every time I sit down, daily, it can easily turn into 3 or more hours. It seems impossible but the clock does not lie. I need to utilize google reader to the fullest. i also did a google chrome page to help me.
Now another week is starting and I feel like I need extra time to just absorb this past week. I am not getting stressed out though, I am learning, exploring and planning. That was my objective in taking this course. I think so far I am successful.
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I like the very positive spin at the end and it reminds me not to got stressed. Also, I think you are correct when you said that it takes a discerning eye to understand what will benefit learning. I need to make sure I'm always keeping that in the back of my mind when analyzing all the things we are learning and what we will be truly beneficial to my students.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed The Synapse website as well and think that for Biology teachers it will prove to be a useful resource that I can utilize fairly easily throughout the year.
As a Biology teacher, are there other online forums, groups, etc. that you use? I know it says that you are moving to teaching Biology in high school and would love any suggestions!