Connected educators develop networks with other educators to co-construct knowledge from wherever they live. Through online collaboration, connected educators interact with colleagues around the world via social media to engage in online conversations and bring what they learn online back to their classrooms, schools, and districts (Connected Educators Starter Kit, 2013).
One of the ways that I've benefitted from my online connections to other educators is that I became a better teacher. Through my connections I was exposed to new examples for using technology, curriculum resources, and instructional strategies that I wouldn't have found if not for my connected learning network. These new ideas enabled me to engage my students in learning at high levels of creativity and critical thinking that my standard curriculum materials were not designed to achieve. Becoming a connected educator reinvigorated me as a teacher professionally and personally.
Web 2.0 tools provide many resources that educators can utilize to be connected. A few popular connected educator networking tools are Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest. Who knows, you might already be a connected educator and you don't even realize it. If you're not, seize the day and become a connected educator.
Not sure where to start in getting connected? An easy way is to create a free Twitter account and follow me (@gitsul).
As connected educators everybody wins...students and teachers!
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