February 10, 2014

10 Ways to Change the Future Today

My selection this week comes from the Leadership Freak.  Those of you that follow me on Twitter, may have seen me tweet out a few of his thought provoking posts including this one.  My reason for sharing this post with you is that it provides 10 very manageable suggestions to change the future today.  As we are all initiating change in some way shape or form, I believe utilizing some or all of these suggestions will go a long way with teachers, students, and community members in increasing buy in.  Enjoy!

10 Ways to Change the Future Today

20 Tips for Creating a Professional Learning Network

In “20 Tips for Creating a Professional Learning Network,” Miriam Clifford takes a topic we’ve been discussing in our district and shares practical suggestions for approaching Personal Learning Networks in order to advance our craft.  These networks are reliant on the quality of our interactions with others.  Thus, our approach is key.  I’ll briefly share her tips.  What will be even more valuable to you, though, are the links throughout the article.

10 Tips for Using PLN’s

1.     Keep the spirit of collaboration as your driving force.
2.    Join an online community.
3.    Join a Meetup group.
4.    Become a beacon of light.
5.    Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
6.    Be an active participant.
7.    Remember to be polite and acknowledge contributions to the rightful owner.
8.    Designate a professional and personal account.
9.    Create a landing page.
10. Engage newbies.

10 Tools & Strategies for Establishing a Productive PLN

1.    Use Diigo, Evernote, Pocket, or Delicious to bookmark links.
2.    Use a reader to subscribe to blogs.
3.    Establish your own platform.
4.    Share on Twitter first.
5.    Consider your role.
6.    Aggregate resources together.
7.    Take a free course to learn about PLN’s.
8.    Stay current with new tools.
9.    Simplify logins.
10. Establish a classroom learning network.

While PLN’s truly are a powerful agent of change, they don’t come naturally.  These practical tips can certainly help us as we navigate our way.

20 Tips for Creating a Professional Learning Network

February 3, 2014

Among Experts

The following is a blog written by Dwight Carter,  Principal of Gahanna Lincoln High School.  In it, he outlines a very valuable use and experience for a staff meeting.  He also shares the three main correlates of successful schools: instructional leadership, a positive school climate and culture, and frequent monitoring.  Take a moment to read the blog and see if it sparks the desire to try the activity he did and elicit the positive experience the GLHS staff had.  We all believe in the power of reflection and team building, and during a time of testing and evaluations we need to pause and focus on the positives that our staffs are all doing. Have a great week!

Among Experts

Redefining the Writing Process with iPads

Over the years the writing process has been affected by a number of technology changes.  With today's tools, many students use a completely digital process to create, edit and submit their writing.  Some students do this process very well and others use it to cut corners that might not be the best to cut.

Here is a great article on how to use an iPad in the writing process in an effective way!

Redefining the Writing Process with iPads