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5 Easy Ways to Become a Connected Educator!

By Janet Lee, Education Manager

As many teachers would attest, the most challenging but also the most exciting part of being an educator is that your job is never done. There is always a little more planning you can do or another resource you could incorporate. October is Connected Educator Month where we can celebrate the endless possibilities for growth in our profession!

  • Find out what it means to be a connected educator.

Browse the official Connected Educator 2014 Calendar to get inspired and explore what being a connected educator is all about. Yes, it might all seem a little overwhelming but remember you get to pick and choose what works for you!

  • Do a little blogging. Reflect on your teaching.

Blogging is a great place to start. This is a chance to look back at your teaching practices and self-assess. Which tools are you currently working with and in what ways would you like to expand your toolbox?

  • Select a new resource or program that intrigues you, and go for it!

Sometimes the best way to learn is to just dive in. It might require you to reformat classroom norms and protocols, but it will be worth it when you find the one that works. One of my favorite additions to the classroom is Class Dojo - an interactive classroom behavior management app that syncs up with your phone and Smartboard. You can also check out Edmodo which completely engages students by incorporating social media as the learning platform. It’s been called the “Facebook for schools”.

  • Don’t be afraid to mess up. Find another approach and try again!

Chances are that many resources might not be the right fit for you and your class. You have to consider your students’ personalities, learning styles, and your school’s available technology. There’s no one right way so be open to new teaching styles that embrace our rapidly growing digital age.

  • Stay current with a network of connected educators.

Schedule a weekly get together of coworkers or fellow educators to discuss and evaluate new strategies. Twitter or Google hangouts come in handy here!

Share with us your tips to being a connected educator!

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