Modeling Lifelong Learning Through Technology

Your Name and Title: Torrey Trust, Ph.D. Student in Education

School, Library, or Organization Name: University of California, Santa Barbara

Co-Presenter Name(s):

Area of the World from Which You Will Present: Santa Barbara, CA

Language in Which You Will Present: English

Target Audience(s): Teachers

Short Session Description (one line):

Learn how to build a network of information, resources, and connections that will help you improve your professional practice.

Full Session Description (as long as you would like):

Inspiring students to learn outside of the classroom starts with the teacher. Teachers that are willing to take risks and ask others for help and feedback are more likely to provide effective instruction that addresses their students' needs. 

This lecture will demonstrate how to build a professional learning network (PLN) using information aggregation and social media tools. A PLN is a system of interpersonal connections and resources that support informal learning.

Teachers will learn about the Web 2.0 tools available for staying abreast of the latest education news and best practices and how to build a network of likeminded individuals who are willing to provide advice, feedback, share resources, and collaborate on lesson plans or projects.

This workshop will show teachers that there is no need to reinvent the wheel or feel isolated in the classroom. There are global networks of educators that teachers can reach out to 24/7. 

This workshop will be a guide for building a professional learning network from scratch. Some of the tools that will be featured are Google Reader, Twitter, Edmodo, Ning, Diigo, Blogging, and Facebook. 

After a brief overview of how to use the technology tools for building a PLN, the workshop will cover information literacy (how to sift, organize, and analyze validity of information), how to enter conversations in PLNs, and networking and netiquette.

Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session:

• http://edutechdatabase.wikispaces.com
• http://www.slideshare.net/torreytrust/a-teachers-guide-to-building-...