An Important Milestone - #RSCON3

Anonymous — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:58:00 GMT

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The third Reform Symposium e-Conference has broadened my horizons and expanded my PLN.

It is hard to describe the Reform Symposium e-Conference, but the words ‘inspiring’, ‘informative’, and ‘insightful’ come to mind.

#RSCON3 was a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn and share with new and experienced teachers around the world; and it will have tangible impacts on my teaching and professional learning practice in the months to come, particularly when we launch the Global Classroom 2011/12 project later this year.

And presenting at #RSCON3 was an important milestone in my teaching career, as it was my first ever professional presentation. I’m proud that I was able to share my experiences, and “make my voice heard” on a global stage; and I suspect there aren’t many 2nd year teachers who can say they’ve presented at an international conference! (Thanks Shelly!)

My Presentation: “What the heck is a PLN?”

I shared my personal ‘PLN story’ at #RSCON3; exploring how my “Personal Learning Network has reawakened my love of teaching, supported me in tough times, and broadened my horizons.”

With the help of my wonderful moderator (and friend) @JoHart, I was able to lead a lively, interactive online session, attended by 33 teachers from around the world (although, sadly few Western Australians). And I was pleasantly surprised at how well it was received.

After exploring the gradual development of my PLN, and discussing some of the online tools / resources I’ve used to build it, I handed over the microphone and whiteboards to my audience, asking them to share how they “connect, learn, share, and collaborate”. They did so with gusto!

Themes and Takeaways

Having a PLN is a rewarding and transformative learning experience, but actually getting “out there”, and building your network isn’t an easy or rapid process. It takes time, patience, and perseverance – but you don’t have to do it alone.

By sharing my story and experiences, I hoped to demystify the “Personal Learning Network”, and give ‘newbies’ a few ideas about where to start, and who/where to go for help and advice. With the assistance of the my session participants, this message came across ‘loud and clear’.

Thankyou

I hope my “What the heck is a PLN?” presentation will inspire and assist new and experienced teachers to take that critical first step on their own PLN journey. If I can make a difference for just one person, I will have succeeded in this goal.

So, thankyou to everyone who attended my presentation, to those who provided feedback, and all those people who will listen to the recording (available shortly).

Presentation Slides

What the heck is a PLN?

View more presentations from Michael

Some of my Twitter Feedback

Making Changes (Reflecting on Challenge 3)

Anonymous — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:51:00 GMT

tweetmeme_url = 'http://areliefteachersjourney.blogspot.com/2011/01/making-changes-reflecting-on-challenge.html'; tweetmeme_source = 'mgraffin'; tweetmeme_hashtags = '#edchat,#elemchat';

I joined the Edublogs Teacher Challenge because I felt I was ready to refine my blogging skills and build an audience. To be honest, I also thought it would look good on my resume.

Now, as I approach the mid-way point of the Challenge, I have received some incredibly valuable constructive feedback & criticism on my work.

Its’ time for a formal response …

Flickr CC Image: 'celestial light'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/99771506@N00/3130228600

I received a deluge of comments on my About Me page; answering a few lingering questions, and raising an issue which I never knew existed.

I’ve recorded some comments here for posterity:

@brittgow (Australia) – “I would encourage you to post a picture of yourself, as I think it helps readers to identify with you", but if you are worried about privacy and security issues, make it a photo that cannot be altered to use as a passport/license shot.”

Well, I’ve had a good think about this, and my updated About Me page will feature one of my ‘artistic’ self-portraits. Check back in a few days.

@takefive (USA?) – “My only suggestion, and it's because I'm from the US, is that the term "relief" teacher is not something I know. I'm assuming it is a widely used classification in Australia, but it is not something I've heard in my country. If you anticipate having a wider audience, you might give your international readers a short definition about relief teaching just to confirm or clarify their working definition”

This was a really valuable tip. I knew that American teachers are familiar with substitute teachers, but hadn’t thought of including a definition on my blog. I’ve revised the landing page to reflect this, and will include a brief comment in my revised About Me page.

@murcha (Australia) – “I like how you have clear headings which share your past, your present and your future. The only other thing that others have placed on their about me page, is some of their life outside school i.e. interests, passions etc.”

Thanks Murcha. A big influence on my About Me page was my desire to share this blog with prospective employers, hence the headings. I had a good laugh at the thought of my “having a life” outside work; but I’ve come up with a few facts that will no doubt surprise some of my colleagues.

@carlaarena (Brazil) - In my screen, the page setting is too big, so I have to scroll right and left to read the whole information. Is there a way you could reduce a bit the post area?

I never knew this problem existed, although I know the cause – namely my fiddling with the template a few months ago. This problem has been resolved, and the blog can now be easily viewed on various devices – even iPads (for those lucky enough to have them! (jealous!)

@debhogg (Australia) - I was wondering why you had used the template with the left sidebar? Since the stuff in the sidebar is not a visitor immediate focus because they visit to read the posts then it wouldn't it be easier if the sidebar was on the right?

Deb, this was one of the most insightful pieces of feedback that I received. The sidebar has now been moved and slimmed down, and I actually quite like the result.

The only thing left to say is THANKYOU! to all my readers & Teacher Blogging Challenge mentors who have stopped by and provided feedback.

I really appreciate the wonderful comments about my reflective practice and teaching, and I value critical suggestions for improving A Relief Teacher’s Journey.

Keep an eye out for my updated About Me page, and Challenge 4 post … coming soon.

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An Important Milestone - #RSCON3

Making Changes (Reflecting on Challenge 3)