Welcome to my Learning Log. This blog will serve as a repository of learning artifacts documenting new learning and projects while a student in the Boise State University Master's of Educational Technology program.
EdTech is a passion of mine that has spilled over into all areas of my life. As a connected educator, I interact, collaborate, and share with my Twitter PLN on a daily basis. Many of the people that I have networked with on Twitter have become some of my best friends.
My love for exploring and leveraging technology and social media has opened many doors for me to further my education and to advance my career path. One such consequence was recently being invited to contribute to GettingSmart.com, a website about EdTech and online learning, as one of their Smart Bloggers, which has not only connected me with incredibly wonderful people in the educational technology world, but has also helped to supplement my income and develop my skills as a professional writer.
I have also leveraged a natural proclivity for EdTech to pursue a hobby in podcasting. I write, record, and publish a 5-minute podcast dealing with educational issues, best practices, and trends every weekday. Named Take 5, this medium has also connected me with new opportunities to share, learn, and teach with others in the education field.
While I have chosen to immerse myself in web tools, social networks, and educational technology, none of it would have ever happened if I hadn't become curious about how others were using Twitter. I had heard of it and was familiar with the basic design as a micro blogging tool, so I read a short eBook about Twitter for educators while on a flight to Las Vegas. As soon as I landed, I created a profile while sitting in the baggage claim and sent out my first Tweet. Though I didn't develop a thriving PLN overnight, it all started with curiosity and taking action. After that, the rest is history, or more appropriately, the present.
Hi Dave, really looking forward to working with you this semester. I'd love to check out your podcast, as well as your posts on GettingSmart. Chances are I've probably read a few of them already as I visit the site pretty frequently. Tom Vander Ark is a pretty popular writer within our organization.
ReplyDeleteDave, I am new to the social media interface. But your learning log is inspiring. I look forward to learning from your example how to podcast and participate in this ever changing environment.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the excellent introduction and professional-looking learning log, Dave. Your interests and experiences are a perfect match for this program. Welcome to the course.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your introduction. Like you, I have been building my PLN through Twitter. I never imagined how much of a benefit it would be to me.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while to finally try twitter as well, now I often attend meetings about or help others to learn how to use it as a pro-d tool and for PLN's. Interested to check out your PD podcast, but I've never really gotten in to pod casts.
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