Why is a PLN important?

Imagine teaching on an island - every day. You are alone except for students and you never have collaborative time. This is the case in many schools which is why finding a good solid professional learning network (PLN)  is needed!
If you are in district, I would love to help you. Just contact me. If you need 1:1 instruction or would like to bounce ideas off of another person.

Don't forget that if you are looking to get new technology installed at Valley Center you need to contact our technology staff directly at the help desk. also, for connection issues use the same link. It's very efficient. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

I remember the first time I went to get education training when I attended my first education camp I had no idea what I was walking into on a warm Friday in Andover, Kansas. There was a thing called Twitter, 100s of teachers I didn't know, and a hum of excitement.

I didn't touch most of those components for six months. Then a teacher asked if anyone was leading #ksedchat our state Twitter chat and tagged me since I had posted during the education camp Kansas day. It was an instant connection and it made me think: I could do that!

I did some research, found the start date and time and got it running in a month. We first started with only 5-6 educators chatting. From there we built it up from a summer hiatus that turned into a break in leadership.
Picture
One of many painting I have taught to adults. Don't be an island - share everywhere!
Now, #ksedchat is a trending topic every 8 p.m. Monday during the school year. I helped build it up, got a group of support and then bowed out after taking the reigns for 9 months. The things I learned during these short 1 hour sessions is immense and improved my craft immediately. It exposed me to EPIC reading apps, Code.org and flexible seating. It gave me an outlet for suggestions and feedback from teachers around the world not just Kansas. And it all started at #edcampks.

What is an Education Camp?

Ed Camps are 1 part learning; 1 part free stuff and 2 parts networking.
You walk in and propose a topic - anything you want to learn. Then like a  day camp you go to the room and discuss. Maybe you just sit back and listen. Maybe you jump up and lead the discussion because you are full of questions. There is only one rule:
The Rule of Two Feet
This commonly accepted and emphasized rule is that you are not captive. If you don't like the way the discussion is going or if you find you want to learn from another session walk out and do it. There are no presenters so do not worry about offending others as you leave.
Would you like to attend? Great because it is FREE!
I know quite a bit about this because after attending three Ed Camps I became a part of the #edcampICT leadership group. I solicit for the free stuff - like a great 3D printer last year - and help prepare the goody bags and supplies we hand out every year. I also help run exploration labs for exposure to materials donated by vendors.

What is Podstock?

Podstock is a giant education conference similar to an EdCamp.
The main difference is there is a set schedule of topics and awesome presenters. I started attending after my first Ed Camp. Imagine you get all your favorite teachers in one room from all around the U.S. and (sometimes beyond) to share about breaking trends and technology you only dream about at other events.
THEN ADD COSTUMES! This is the Comic-Con of Educational professionals. It is one giant themed family luncheon. My favorite theme was in 2015 when I got to go in a full STEAMPUNK costume.
I will be presenting again this summer, 2017, on The Great Beyond: Storytelling with Games my take in producing video games as a final evaluation of learning using Scratch Jr.