#EdChats - The New Personalized Professional Development
It’s no secret that we’re more immersed in the digital world than ever before. Our students are growing up surrounded by amazing technology that provides them with incredible learning opportunities. They use this technology to grow, explore, and learn in ways that were once only imagined.
How does this techno-buzz apply to educators outside of the classroom? Aside from the usual “keeping-up” with friends and family on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, educators are also using these tools to participate in personalized professional development!
It’s true! Teachers, admins, and coaches are going online on their own time to grow, share, learn, and further hone their craft! One of the most popular ways to do this is through #EdChats - Online discussions on specific topics through the use of hashtags(#).
“Edchats are where relationships typically start online. They provide a great opportunity for educators to find like-minded individuals that share their passion. This is what PLN building is all about. I have seen many beautifully collaborative relationships form from the dialogue that begins during a chat. EdChats help us find our tribe.”
- Steven Isaacs, Teacher, Video Game Design and Development, PBS Lead Digital Innovator, 2016 ISTE Outstanding Teacher
“#EdChats give me a chance to learn from other educators and share what works and what doesn't. It's great to learn from the leaders in #edtech how they implement new technology.”
- Michelle Grezner, 2nd Grade Teacher, New Jersey
There are many #EdChats happening on any given day. Some #EdChats are considered “slow chats” where the conversation can take place over the course of a week. Others take place at a specified time and may run the duration of an hour. Checkout this great list to get you started. All you’ve got to do is choose a chat topic that interests you and follow along with the provided hashtag at the scheduled time. Don’t worry if things feel a little tough to follow at first. Just jump in the best you can and you’ll be a super-star chatter in no time! :)
We’ve spent a lot of time joining in on various #EdChat topics and enjoy connecting and growing with various people who have a passion for education. We thought that we’d start a chat of our own to add to the mix!
The #PCeduchat mission is to provide educators with an organic, open forum to discuss frustrations & disruptions within our educational system while fostering collaborative solutions and support through a growing #PLN (personal learning network). The chat is held every other Thursday at 7pm EST. Our friends at Participate Learning provide a fantastic chat platform where you can easily follow along and respond to the conversation. We always post reminders… so be sure to keep an eye out! Our next chat is Thursday, July 21st and we will be “Celebrating the Teaching Profession.” We hope to see you there! In the meantime, go forth and get chatting!
