# data[].attributes.body
Fan of Twitter, Google Communities, EdCamps, and variety of

blogs for connecting w/ educators. Enjoy connecting

teachers in my grad courses with other educators,

for projects like Mystery Skypes and cross-class blogging.

Appreciate when people on Twitter send links to articles,

research studies, and collaborative Google Docs.

# data[].attributes.body
It is a fantastic resource to allow me to be up to date with what is going on all around the world.  I live in Australia and often pick up tips, ideas and lessons from all over!
Twitter, Edmodo, ScootleCommunity, Scoop.it are all great...

# data[].attributes.body
I couldn't do without my twitter chats. I follow along on #tlap (Teach Like A Pirate) #edtech #1to1techat and #ozprimschchat among others. Most times I just 'lurk' watching the contributions and ideas from others flow!

# data[].attributes.body
I don't know much about PLN...just learning and getting information about various things. I just sign to Edmodo and im going to try it with my students.

# data[].attributes.body
Twitter is awesome for reading and finding current tech tools, edmodo is perfect for interacting with a global community, Pinterest is great for gathering and organizing classroom ideas!

# data[].attributes.body
I love twitter for inspiration and big ideas. I love edmodo for when I need teaching resources. People are very generous with their ideas on both platforms.

# data[].attributes.body
Twitter is great! I use it all the time, when I have time. You can tune in or out as your time permits. I learn so much just "lurking" on Twitter.

# data[].attributes.headline
Brett Unruh/Middle School Social Studies

# data[].attributes.subject
Brett Unruh/Middle School Social Studies

# data[].attributes.body
I love working with my building PLN, but always supplement it with EdModo, Twitter, and LinkedIn

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I had never been to an "unconference" before, but when I heard the organizer of SocialEdCon Unconference introduce the event, I knew I was in for something new:
"Write your ideas that you want to discuss on the top of the poster board. Each of you can look at all of the ideas and put check marks beside the ones that interest you, and then that will drive the topics that we discuss today."
I leaned over to my husband, Brad Flickinger, an "unconference expert," and whispered that I'd love to learn more about educating teachers about technology. He told me to go up and write it down. Fifteen minutes later after the milling crowds of educators thinned out from around the poster boards, I saw my idea surrounded by checkmarks. The organizer announced that Teaching Teachers about Technology would begin in five minutes on the right side of the room, and could the person who wrote the idea down please moderate and share at that session.

I gulped!

I was here to learn from others -- not lead a session -- but I jumped into the deep end of the pool of unconferencing.

As the Director of Instructional Technology for the Poudre School District in Fort Collins, Colorado, I'm responsible for the professional "technology" development of nearly 1500 teachers. Teaching teachers about technology is the main responsibility of my job, and finding new ways to support teachers is always on my radar.

What I loved about the unconference is that I had the opportunity to share some of the great ideas we have in place at our district; but more importantly to me, I was able to learn from others and hear about their great ideas that I could modify and use within my own district.

What Did I Share?

Currently, our teachers attend five days of professional tech development every three years, during which they learn about Google apps and other web 2.0 interactive tools. I shared some of the most effective practices for finding ways to teach teachers!

1) Show, don't tell.

Our technology tech trainers create three-minute video podcasts that show teachers in action using the new technology at the front of their classrooms. We also include pictures of the lesson plan, rubrics and students' work at the end and link it to the state standards so that new teachers can easily steal ideas. Here's the link so you can steal ideas, too: http://www.psdschools.org/academics/instructional-technology/techcellence

2) Teach with TV.

Each month, tech trainers produce an in-depth, 20-minute tech show which features our new technologies being used in the classroom. These shows are broadcast on our local TV station, but are also on-demand so that teachers, parents and students can search them on our website. Check out all of last year's shows: http://epresence.psdschools.org/1/Page/Published/5.aspx

3) Be "liked."

We created a Facebook account, TeachTechPSD, where we post weekly updates on new technology, pictures of classes using tech and other fun things we are learning about. When teachers come to training with us, we ask them to "like" us so that, when they check their own accounts, they will quickly see what we are up to. Facebook is currently blocked in our district and on teacher computers, but we found that teachers were very willing to check us out after hours!

4) Chirp about your accomplishments.

Our Twitter handle is @TeachTechPSD, and we tweet twice a week about timely information that teachers need. One great example was during the final week of school, when we tweeted about how to put their school email on auto-respond!

5) Blog about it.

Using Wordpress, we created a blog, TeachTechPSD, which has become the storage vault for all our content creation. Twice a week, we write a short post that presents a tech tip our teachers can learn in under five minutes. We also update our blog anytime a new podcast is posted or a new TV show is aired. It has become our one-stop shop for most teachers wanting to keep abreast on what is happening in technology in our district.

The Top 5 Ideas I'll Bring Back to my District

1) Have each grade level at an elementary school learn a different tech application.

Students will gain exposure to a variety of tech tools by the end of elementary, whereas teachers need to learn only one tech tool.

2) Host a teacher tech playground in a fun location.

Choose someplace like a restaurant or unusual business, where teachers will get the opportunity to meet off campus and play with a variety of tech tools.

3) Create tech field trips.

Divide teachers into groups, making sure that you have a tech-savvy teacher or a technology coach in each group. Send them out into the community to record information about fun activities that students can do. Upon return, use that new tech tool to create a presentation or description, and then present to the whole group. Teachers learn not only about how to use a new tech tool, but also more about the activities where students can participate in their community.

4) Save five minutes at the end of each staff meeting to have a teacher tech smackdown!

Teachers have 45 seconds to share their favorite app or web 2.0 tool with their colleagues in a fast-paced, engaging way. Make sure your moderator keeps everyone's time limit the same. Anyone who wants to learn more can always meet up with the presenters after everybody has shared.

5) Create a virtual learning commons area.

This is a resource where teachers can go online to check out the new web tools that are pre-screened for them.

I survived my first unconference and fell in love with the idea. I panicked over leading the group, but I gained more than I presented . . . and isn't that what it is all about?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ten Ideas for Teaching Teachers Technology | Edutopia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I had never been to an "unconference" before, but when I heard the organizer of SocialEdCon Unconference introduce the event, I knew I was in for something new: "Write your ideas that you want to discuss on the top of the poster board.

# data[].attributes.body
Being on Edmodo on a daily basis gives me an opportunity to

connect with others by sharing resources and Web sites, but

also to become aware as to how things are being

done differently around the world.

# data[].attributes.headline
Stephanie Jordan/Middle School World History

# data[].attributes.subject
Stephanie Jordan/Middle School World History

# data[].attributes.body
Twitter has been one of the best tools to help build and interact with my PLN. I do this through participation in chats like #aledchat (for educators in Alabama, but all are invited) #sschat (for social studies) #sbgchat (for standards based grading)

# data[].attributes.body
My PLN helps me stay sane when around me teachers pass out candy to get kids to do their homework and require students to color within the lines. My PLN has helped me become who I am as an educator. Thanks to all of you!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Computers and electronic technology are in the classrooms for good. Many schools have 1 to 1 initiatives that put a computing device into the hands of each student. This graphic is a challenge for teachers to move beyond the obvious and traditional uses of computers (browsing, clicking, chatting, and gaming) to inventing, designing, creating, building, sharing.

# data[].attributes.body
A successful PLN can offer you information and ideas that are world wide and not just from your own back yard.

# data[].attributes.headline
Ruth Carlos Computer Teacher Sydney Australia

# data[].attributes.subject
Ruth Carlos Computer Teacher Sydney Australia

# data[].attributes.body
I love using Twitter, Edmodo and Pinterest to be inspired by what other teachers in the world are doing.

# data[].attributes.body
Using twitter the best way I have found to find other educators is to look at the lists that have been build buy fellow teachers in the twitter community and then follow those people. I have learned so much from people such as ipadsammy, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
It's just great because it demands on you to be updated. Besides the way that people SHARE is amazing!

# data[].attributes.body
Twitter is by far the most useful tool. I have discovered so many creative teachers through #engchat, and Ihave found many innovative ideas on their blogs.

# data[].attributes.body
Being connected through Edmodo, twitter, ScoopIt, Pinterest, and all the various blogs that I subscribe to and follow closely has dramatically increased my tech knowledge over the last several years. Edmodo is one of the first ones I check daily. I feel like I am connected more on a global level than just in my school community where I reside. I have increased my twitter presence but Edmodo is my first choice.

# data[].attributes.headline
Kim T/MS technology teacher /Grad Adjunct - NH

# data[].attributes.subject
Kim T/MS technology teacher /Grad Adjunct - NH

# data[].attributes.body
PLN's are free professional development. It is a place to share and learn from.

I could not live without my diigo account or facebook (liked educational Pages) or edmodo communities!

# data[].attributes.body
Professional support beyond my community.

# data[].attributes.body
Online-based PLNs are perfect for teacher-growth and resource-sharing, any time of the day

# data[].attributes.body
PLNs are a great way to stay connected and up-to-date with the newest tools and technology for the classroom, as well as to hone our craft. We're never done learning, and PLNs make it easier than ever to keep "in the know"

# data[].attributes.body
PLNs are perfect for those who are ever seeking and never yielding.

# data[].attributes.body
PLNs are massive turnarounds for classrooms and tutoring. Students are more involved with what they love.

# data[].attributes.body
Connected = Successful

FreeTechnologyforteachers.com

# data[].attributes.body
Twitter is my greatest PLN

# data[].attributes.body
The best PD you can find. Current, relevant and from classroom practitioners

# data[].attributes.body
PLNs are research, strategies & information at your fingertips.

# data[].attributes.body
Hard yakka, self-directed, meandering exploration of possibilities.

# data[].attributes.body
PLNS have changed my mode of learning, improved my skills!

# data[].attributes.body
Learn something new and useful EVERY DAY!

# data[].attributes.body
It's about sharing your voice and making a contribution no matter how big or small.

# data[].attributes.body
Your PLN can take you anywhere in the world

# data[].attributes.body
PLNs are a game changer for professional learning!!

# data[].attributes.body
PLNs are awesome, exciting and eye opening!