Continuing professional development (PD) throughout your career is essential for staying current, and ensuring that you’re the best educator you can be. In Part 1 of this series we addressed Continuing Education (CEU) requirements and conferences that offer PD and networking opportunities. Today we explore the many online tools at your disposal, such as the video and social media resources that are keeping educators connected and informed. Check out the options we’ve compiled here – just some of the many, many available to you – and then select a combination of tools that fit your style, schedule and interests.
Video
Today, many of your best PD sources will include video. Sites like Edutopia offer a menu of assorted videos for teachers, many of which are video blogs or “vlogs,” made by professional organizations or other educators. They address a variety of currently relevant topics, such as technology, learning methods, stress, collaboration, educational reform, etc.
We found a few other sites that provide a tool very similar to a “TV Guide” for educators. The Teaching Channel, for example, is an excellent source of videos, and also offers teacher Q&A, blogs and networking opportunities.
The Pro Teachers Video site offers easy access to a wide-ranging archive of high-quality professional development videos, which they call “Teachers TV.” These videos address both curriculum subjects and school improvement topics, with a Search box to help you find the subjects most interesting to you.
Of course YouTube, the Big Daddy of all video sites, also has a special categorization just for Teachers.
Connect
Educators are also discovering the benefits of using Skype to connect with other teachers, and to connect classrooms with professionals and students from across the globe. EducatorsTechnology.com gives us “The Complete Guide to the Use of Skype in Education.” Edutopia also offers an article called, “How Are You Connecting Your Students with the World?”
Social Media
Some educators feel they get the most value out of online social and networking tools such as Twitter and EdCamp. If you’re new to Twitter, start on their “About” page for educators. There’s also a Google Doc calendar of weekly educational Twitter chats. Edutopia offers "Social Media: Making Connections through Twitter."
Perhaps less well-known, EdCamp describes itself as: “organic, participant-driven professional learning experiences created by educators, for educators.” EdCamps are completely free to educators, as are most online tools.
Social media also gives you the opportunity to connect with parents, who are hungry for anything you can share about your classroom activities, and of course are eager to contribute their own ideas. Consider hosting an online chat event for "connected parents." You can also strengthen your parent connections through tools like ClassDojo and Remind.
Additional Resources
Envision helps educators earn CEUs while enhancing your ability to bring experiential learning into your classroom. Check out our opportunities to become a member of our seasonal staff.
The Newseum near Washington D.C. also offers online courses for educators, as well as terrific activities and resources for your classroom. Check out our blog about the Newseum for more info.
You’re Worth It
Your options for social media are almost limitless and you’ll never have time for all of them. Choose a few that integrate well with your personal and student-driven objectives.
And remember the advice that “super moms” have been receiving for years: Take time for yourself. These days it seems like it’s “all about the kids,” but as you invest in yourself, you will become even better at your job – arguably one of the most important roles in modern society.
Which professional development tools do you recommend? Please share, in our Comments section below. Let’s keep the information flowing.
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