Professional Development - The Internet is where it's at!

One of the concerns I had regarding moving overseas was how I would stay up-to-date with current practices and continue to grow professionally.  Gone are the days of driving 30 minutes away to join area educators for a workshop in a hotel banquet hall (you know, the "sit and get" kind).. What can I do while living and working in Barcelona?  Of course, one thing I could do is hop on a plane and go to a regional conference, but that could get quite pricey and who really wants to wait around for those once-a-year gatherings?  I need continuous growth and development!  With that being said, I've recognized the need to up my game in the digital world.  Over the last few years, I've tinkered with Twitter and have sung its praises as a platform for professional development for educators however, given that the Internet is really all I have, I need to make the best of it!

 This weekend, while scrolling through my Twitter feed, I came across a post about an upcoming virtual conference for leaders called The Transformative Leadership Summit and quickly learned that for FREE, I could have access to a number of webinars from some of the biggest names in education and innovation right now.  I'm writing this post just minutes after watching my first video of Jethro Jones and Brad Gustafson discuss relevant pedagogy and the need for innovation in our schools.  In just over 30 minutes, I was able to file away some new ideas for the upcoming school year and reflect on my past practice as an administrator all while sitting on my terrace and snacking on tapas.  Oh, and guess what, I was able to connect with each of these speakers through Twitter and share my thoughts and ask questions.  Remind me again why I want to drive to a local hotel to sit in a cold room, drink bad iced tea, and be talked at?  The internet is where it's at!

 I'm curious, as an international educator (or perhaps one in a more rural area of your country), how are you staying connected?  Who have you included in your PLN?

Comments

  1. SharyAugust 13, 2016 at 2:05 PM

    Nice post! I've loved Twitter for new ideas, general professional learning, and to make connections. I also need longer conversations and make the most of connecting with educational leaders via Skype or Hangouts. I had one of these an average of once a week over the last couple of years. They have made a world of difference for me and the schools in which I work.

    I look forward to reading more of your posts. Welcome to the world of international education!

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