Last night, I had an incredible online conversation with @gcouros, @flourishingkids, @Saskateach, and @Mollybmom that made me realize the power of this PLN. Here I was as a Grade 1 teacher, communicating with three other teachers and one administrator. We were posing questions, sharing opinions, and offering options, and for a few short minutes, it felt like we had the power to change the world.
While writing report cards today, I was still thinking about last night’s conversation, and I realized something: a number of years ago, when we started building Learning Communities at our school, we were told that a principal is a “leader of leaders.” We are all leaders and we can all learn from each other. Last night, I saw that this was the case, and I need to thank my wonderful Twitter PLN — that really does span the world — for making me realize the true potential in all of us. To think that when this year began, I was unsure about even joining Twitter, and now I look first to this terrific group of parents, educators, and administrators to share ideas and answer questions.
Thank you, Twitter PLN: you are the greatest group of people that I have ever “met” without really meeting at all! I hope that others will share their great Twitter experiences here too. Maybe this will help show a few other people the power of a community that thrives on 140 characters or less!
Aviva
It was a great conversation and I really appreciated how passionate everyone was about doing what is best for kids. It is weird how reluctant I was to joining Twitter and having these conversations and now I cannot remember a time where I did not have these opportunities; or at least I do not want to.
Thanks for sharing 🙂 Hopefully posts like this will get other reluctant people to realize the power of PLN’s on Twitter.
Thanks for the comment! I’m glad that I could be involved in last night’s conversation, and it really did make me realize the power of a PLN on Twitter. I hope that others will join Twitter too, and see just how amazing it is to connect with so many talented and passionate people from around the world.
Aviva
Thanks for the inspiring blog and conversation. As a Twitter newbie I am surprised how easy it is to find engaged people who are willing to share ideas and resources with others. You all help me stretch my thinking and become a more reflective teacher. The power of Twitter is awe inspiring. Thanks again and I look forward to our next conversation.
Thanks for the blog post comment! I only joined Twitter at the end of August, and I feel exactly the same way about the potential of this social network. It’s amazing how many great people there are out there that are willing to share their ideas and participate in some very thought-provoking dialogue. Last night’s conversation made me realize the power of this PLN, and I just needed to share it here. Glad to hear that you’re having the same wonderful experience with Twitter too!
What an amazing and inspiring post…and that isn’t just because I was mentioned either. I feel a little bit humbled actually to be considered a part of a Twitter PLN when I only just really began tweeting over the last few days.
Don’t get me wrong, I signed up for my Twitter account right around Christmas time. I saw a colleague of mine connecting with educators from around North America as well as other parts of the world. I wanted to expand my social networking horizons so I went for it.
But did I really? Last night was the first time since I joined Twitter that I felt I was a part of a meaningful and engaging experience. The best part was that it was a discussion around our profession, with individuals who care as passionately as I do about students and quality learning.
So where to go from here? You guessed it, I’m hooked! Yep…jumped in with both feet, taking risks, putting my ideas out there, and I am so glad that I did. I have never been more convinced that this is one of the most effective way of connecting in the 21st century. I consider myself a little like a lean, mean tweeting machine.
I am compelled to get the word out, to take every opportunity to shout from the roof tops that this is not only a worthwhile experience but also invaluable in a day and age where time is the one thing we as educators never seem to have enough of.
I am also reminded of the book “Linchpin” by Seth Godin and realize now more than ever that opportunities to connect are INDISPENSABLE!
Wow! What a great comment. You inspired me with all that you said here. It really is amazing to have meaningful conversations with other educators that feel as passionately as you do about key issues in education, and last night, I also felt like I was a part of one of those conversations. I’m so glad that you have started tweeting, and that I can be a part of your Twitter PLN, as I know that I will learn a lot from you and with you.
Happy tweeting!
Aviva
Aviva,
You captured so well how I felt after our conversation. I have learned so much from people on Twitter and consider the conversations there much more impactful and meaningful than the face to face ones I have each day at my school. I appreciate so much how open and honest you are and positive too! Thanks also for the wonderful comments on my blog and I look forward to more great conversations with you. It’s wonderful to meet kindred spirits who are passionate about empowering kids!
Thank you! I felt the exact same way about conversing with you last night. I’m glad that we got a chance to connect through Twitter. Many thanks for the comment on my blog post too … I’m glad that you enjoyed it!
Aviva
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