Growing My Professional Learning Network (PLN) with X

Social media often gets a bad rep; however, X (previously known as Twitter) has the potential to equip teachers with resources and connect educators near and far. Just a month ago, I hopped on the bandwagon (with a whopping 11 followers) in attempts to grow my PLN (professional learning network) and have already experienced its potential. Check out my X profile here.

Image Source: X

Resource Hub

In just a month, I have gathered various resources across different topics in education--resources for best serving bilingual students, integrating technology, teaching literature, managing behaviors, teaching social emotional learning (SEL) and tools to increase equity for all. X provides a space for educators to swap resources, and I even shared one of my Wakelet collections advocating for students' freedom to read. 

Image Source: X

One valuable resource I found on X is a lesson plan for middle and high school students learning how to use ChatGPT. It can be easy for educators to view ChatGPT as a cheat tool; however, when teachers only view it in this way, we are missing out on important learning opportunities and its potential to be a learning tool. This active learning ChatGPT Lesson Plan introduces ChatGPT to students and facilitates student exploration with the tool. Working collaboratively, students try out the tool and present their findings to the class. 

I also stumbled upon an infographic by @GabbWireless that helps people differentiate between productive and unproductive time spent on the internet. Not only is this a great reminder for myself but also a resource that we can use in teaching healthy screen time habits. 

Image Source: @GabbWireless, via X

 

Twitter Chat

Participating in a Twitter chat allows for real-time discussion among educators. The actual discussion itself was great, but I wish it were organized clearly within the X platform itself. I found it challenging to keep track of all the posts and responses. Because I am new to X and Twitter chats, I did not download the Tweet Deck extension. If I continue participating in Twitter chats, I will consider it, though. That being said, it would be nice to have the organization as part of X, rather than needing to use an extension.

Image Source: X

Nonetheless, the Twitter chat I engaged in, #UTedChat, hosted by @lars3eb was worthwhile, and the topic of discussion surrounding access to literature was perfect for the banned books season. I felt energized by discussing access to literature and engagement with literature with other like-minded educators from around the country. The questions were thought-provoking, and the participants had valuable ideas to share. It is a chat that I'd definitely like to participate in again. Check out some of the highlights from the chat to the right and below!

Ultimately, there is an overwhelming amount of resources out there, and learning from our professional learning networks in spaces like X can help educators focus in on what is most valuable. 

Image Source: X

Image Source: X