EducationPlus

EducationPlus
St. Louis Regional Professional Development Center

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Blaze a new trail...

Ralph Waldo Emerson is one of my favorite authors. His writing is truly timeless. He tells us, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” I firmly believe what he is telling us. It is our duty and responsibility as educators to blaze a new trail for our students and adult learners.

Captain Kirk, of the Starship Enterprise told us, “…to boldly go where no man has gone before.”
Albert Einstein notes, “The only source of knowledge is experience.”
Alan Key explains, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”

So as you plan your summer for rest, relaxation and renewal (learning from your PLN) take the time to figure out what you can to take your “game” to the next level this fall.  Here are a few ideas…

Book Discussion: Join a book study/discussion. Learn alongside your colleagues this summer. I am fortunate enough to be working alongside @DJrschug, @JoyWright91, and @AnthonyDeblasio as we plan a July Book Study for Danah Boyd’s It’s Complicated. The summer is the perfect time to sit back and enjoy a good book, and take some time to discuss it with your PLN.

Coordinate/Participate: in a combo chat. Join up with another chat this summer. Several states, groups, and organizations have already started this trend in PLN collaboration. Check it out. Several chats are being set up as you are reading this blog post. One example: #Moedchat and #Txed are working to host a July combo chat!

Learn a new social media skill: Take a look at Augmented Reality. Try your hand at LiveBinders or Evernote. Or simply see what you can do with flipagram and Tellagami. They are all powerful tools that can enhance the work you do with students and colleagues.

Write a Blog Post: This is the best way to share out what you are doing, learning, and accomplishing. We learn from each other and a blog post is the best way for us to learn from each other. I know I enjoy seeing what my PLN is doing in the way of blogging!

Become the Lewis and Clark of the 21st century as you blaze a new trail this summer. I look forward to “reading” all about your journey!


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