Educators today have latched on to social media to connect, share, explore and stay abreast in the industry.
There are a lot of platforms to help educators develop their personal learning network.
Social Media plays an important role in the time we are leading into. It is essential for educators to utilize and explore these platforms as to not only develop their own PLC but so that they can help their students optimize this technology in the best ways.
Mentioned below are some communities that educators can join to extend their networks and learn among the niche.
LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn is the best platform to strengthen your professional network and get in touch with a lot of like-minded people. It is just the right medium to showcase your professional connections as well as your skills and qualifications. This post on “7 ways teachers should be using LinkedIn to help their careers” explains how teachers can benefit from the platform. Also, I am mentioning some LinkedIn groups that you can join to get in touch with the best of the fraternity.
“A sufficient quantity of talented teachers is the most basic ingredient in creating successful schools. If we want all children to succeed, we need to make sure they all have access to a high quality teacher.”
The group is all based on the same quote. Educators must join this group to explore the best of the industry.
2. Education 2.0: Educational Innovation Through Technology
This group is to discuss educational innovation through technology. Educators using virtual environments, educational websites, and iPad and Android apps to facilitate learning share their insights.
This is one place for sharing of worldwide best practice and concepts in the sect of Digital education.
4. STEM Connections for K-12 Education
This is the place for Creating collaborative projects and partnerships through strategic connections between K-12 educators, K-12 students and industry organizations. The Goal is to increase the level of interest and participation in learning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics skills and processes.
5. K-12 Information Technology
This group is for everyone who is a member of the MIS or IT department of a K-12 district. This will help collaborate as a team on the issues facing our unique networks and brainstorm in a group effort towards our solutions.
Google+ Communities
Google is one of the most used platforms to connect and spread the word around the globe. You must join the following G+ communities!
This community is for educators to share and learn about Google’s newest addition to Google Apps for Education.
2. Technology & Innovation in Education
This community is for the intersection of research and practice relating to innovation in teaching and learning. The community is multi-sector and picks up discussion to K12, higher education, corporate learning, etc.
To provide help and improve teaching resources throughout the world – resources help teachers and members of staff to get the best out of each lesson.
This Community is passionate about using open source technology to innovate education in South Africa and Africa. Get information regarding the same.
5. E-Learning and Digital Cultures MOOC
E-learning and Digital Cultures is aimed at teachers, learning technologists, and people with a general interest in education who want to deepen their understanding of what it means to teach and learn in the digital age.
Pinterest Boards to Keep a Knack
Pinterest is more like a collection of the best resources. You can follow people over Pinterest or specific board that you wish to.
This board is just perfect for all the elementary educators to find the best resources on all they need. A place where educators can share their created products or super great finds!
2. Free Technology For Educators
This is the right board for educastor4s who are fond of integrating technology. Stay updated with the best of Tips, tools, insights and ideas to help you tap into the full educational potential of technology.
3. Professional Development For Teachers/Educators
Professional development is important area for every educator’s growth. On this board you will find all the right resources to get in the right direction for your next big step.
Here you will find experienced educators and practiced parents who can’t wait to share all that they have learned! Get amazing insights from the real time practitioners.
5. Language Arts Learning for Homeschoolers & Educators
This is one board dedicated to educators who are teaching languages. Here is where you will find amazing Learning activities and ideas for teaching phonics, grammar, handwriting, composition, spelling, literature, and reading.
Twitter Hash Tags to be tracked
Twitter is a great way to get engaged in the community. With a simple use of dedicated hash tags you can get in touch with the educators across the globe. There are chats that happen over time that educators can follow to learn and explore about the industry. The task is much like stalking …so finally you can make a good use of that skill 😉
Also Check:
Classtools Offers a Good Way to Find Teachers on Twitter
7 Ways of Using Twitter for Teaching in the Classroom
Hash tags that you must follow are mentioned below:
#EdChat
#Educator
#Web20Tools
#Education
#EdTech
#CCChat (Common Core Chat)
#EarlyEd
#eLearning
#StuChat
#Teachers
These are the commonly used #tags however the list is never ending. Find out the best suited #tags as per your interest from the mentioned links:
60 Popular Education Twitter Hashtags
The Complete Guide To Twitter Hashtags For Education
List of Twitter Hashtags For Students and Teachers
Facebook Groups
Though Facebook is mostly used for personal networking, there are many groups that you may find useful.
1. Teachers
This group is for both primary and secondary teachers all over the world.
This is a group where PreK teachers from all backgrounds can get together and share fun ideas with curriculum, arts and crafts.
This is a group for professional teachers of English who want to share information on ELT (English Language Teaching).
The group is spreading word on enabling Teachers to use Technology in their teaching learning process
5. Teacher Educators in Special Education
The group is to provide resources to the Teacher & Educators working in different streams of Special Education.
Keep the lists growing in the comment section below. Make a mention of the communities that you follow.
