Week 29 – Professional Online Social Networks

Activity 5: Using social online networks in professional development.

I will use Jay and Johnsons reflective model to critically discuss the use of social media online networks and how these relate to my professional development in teaching.

Step 1: Descriptive:

This year I have felt personally challenged and really pushed out of my comfort zone, however have grown the most in terms of using social media in my teaching practice. Currently I do not use the main social media sites educationally for personal beliefs and a real fear of ethical issues or dilemmas arising. However, I do use a lot of professional networks and communities of practice to enhance my teaching pedagogy. I have developed in growth mind set since joining MindLab and they have given me the tools and confidence to give new things a go. I certainly feel more connected sharing and having input with the different forums. This has inspired me to want to achieve and do more. The quote from Whitaker, Zoul & Casas, 2015 really resonated how relatable it is for me this year.

“Educators around the globe are transforming their classrooms and schools by stepping outside their comfort zones, finding value in their connectivity, and utilizing free tools accessible to them via their computer, iPad, and smartphones which allow them to connect like-minded colleagues on a daily basis. They are forming “connected communities,” which, in turn, is elevating them to greater heights and ultimately benefiting their school communities and students in positive ways.” 

Step 2: Comparative:

The use of social media networks for enhancing your teaching practice is becoming more popular with an increase in communication and collaboration in the education sector. This has certainly been noted through the online survey taken by MindLab March 2018 participants with a staggering 87.5% use Facebook as an online tool. As Elana Leoni in Connected Educators states, “The most important thing you can do in your career as an educator is to be connected”. With the development of professional learning networks in your own community of learning groups allows for personal development and growth to take place. Which further creates a wealth of information and knowledge to discover.   

Magette (2014) suggests that there are a multitude of benefits for teachers using social media to connect, they say that it is an interactive worldwide stage that teachers can share multiple resources and have meaningful conversations while interacting with one another. Thus, creating a positive inspirational learning environment for your students. As Kathy Cassidy’s video (Twoparents. (2013, May 21), she makes the point that it is vitally important to use digital tools in the classroom because “this is how the children of today have grown up”. Although this is referenced to the primary sector it is still very relevant at secondary level.  

Step 3: Critical Reflection:

As Whitaker et. al (2015) states “Everything is moving to the web. When we teach our students how to write, are we teaching our students how to do so in hyperlinked, networked, interconnected online spaces for authentic, relevant worldwide audiences?”

Although using social media in my teaching can and will have implications this has certainly been out weighed with the positives. For me personally I will have a multitude of challenges to overcome but in the long run it will be my students that benefit. Magette, 2014 states “Using social media tools for students learning activities brings an engaging real-world relevance for students of all ages.” Being able to be a proactive professional teacher that will enhance and inspire students to become competent, confident digital citizens for the 21^st century is truly remarkable. MindLab thank you!

References:

Jay, J.K and Johnson, K.L. (2002). Capturing complexity: a typology of reflective practice for teacher education. Teaching and Teacher Education, 18, 73-85.

Leoni E, Connected Educators https://themindlab.com/media/23195/view

Magette, K. (2014). Embracing social media: a practical guide to manage risk and leverage opportunity. Rowman & Littlefeild Publishers. (Available in Unitec library).

Twoparents. (2013, May21). Using Social Media in the Classroom. (video file). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riZStaz8Rno

Whitaker, T., Zoul, J., & Casas, J. (2015. What connected educators do differently. New York, NY: Routledge.