Comments on: Demonstrate the Power of a Personal Learning Network: Help Send a Newbie to NECC http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/04/19/demonstrate-the-power-of-a-personal-learning-network-help-send-a-newbie-to-necc/ Celebrating 30 Years of Ed Tech Vision Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:05:22 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Beth Still http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/04/19/demonstrate-the-power-of-a-personal-learning-network-help-send-a-newbie-to-necc/comment-page-2/#comment-3001 Beth Still Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:53:57 +0000 http://www.isteconnects.org/?p=3225#comment-3001 Rachel, Let me start by saying thank you for your kind words. However, I will have to disagree with something you said. I am most definitely NOT a star! I am just really good at organizing people. The real stars are the people in my PLN who share their ideas and offer their help when needed. If you want to read another completely amazing story about the power of PLN's then go to my blog and read my post from mid-October about how my PLN saved my first workshop presentation. They ROCKED! Once again, I was the organizer who stood on the sidelines while they worked to make sure that I had everything I needed so my presentation did not fall apart. You mentioned it is interesting how I use my PLN. The beauty of Twitter is that we all use it slightly differently. I often have to remind people who are new to Twitter that they don't have to contribute as much as they learn. I certainly don't! I am not sure it is possible to contribute as much as you learn on Twitter since there is such a vast stream of information coming across it. If you want to learn more about what my PLN means to me please check out my blog. Most of my posts are about my PLN because they have played such a huge role in what I have learned over the last two years. I am looking forward to learning with you on Twitter! Beth Rachel,
Let me start by saying thank you for your kind words. However, I will have to disagree with something you said. I am most definitely NOT a star! I am just really good at organizing people. The real stars are the people in my PLN who share their ideas and offer their help when needed. If you want to read another completely amazing story about the power of PLN’s then go to my blog and read my post from mid-October about how my PLN saved my first workshop presentation. They ROCKED! Once again, I was the organizer who stood on the sidelines while they worked to make sure that I had everything I needed so my presentation did not fall apart.

You mentioned it is interesting how I use my PLN. The beauty of Twitter is that we all use it slightly differently. I often have to remind people who are new to Twitter that they don’t have to contribute as much as they learn. I certainly don’t! I am not sure it is possible to contribute as much as you learn on Twitter since there is such a vast stream of information coming across it.

If you want to learn more about what my PLN means to me please check out my blog. Most of my posts are about my PLN because they have played such a huge role in what I have learned over the last two years.

I am looking forward to learning with you on Twitter!

Beth

]]> By: Rachael http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/04/19/demonstrate-the-power-of-a-personal-learning-network-help-send-a-newbie-to-necc/comment-page-2/#comment-2997 Rachael Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:29:19 +0000 http://www.isteconnects.org/?p=3225#comment-2997 WELL DONE BETH, You are a star. You have used your PLN for good and given an opportunity to a complete stranger. You have been self-less and willing to give. So often today we see opportunities for us to take, take, take but you are a true giver. As a Masters (EducationTechnology) student your use of PLN's is very interesting - I am currently working on my final research paper and have never before used a PLN. Can you believe that?! I have participated in group discussions through discussion boards and online chat sessions with video link up with students across the world but at the completion of each of these units the students tended to submit their final assignment, say farewell and log out never to be seen again - other than the occasional student who you may have come across in a previous unit. It is very disappointing that this has occurred as there are so many knowledgeable people out there willing to share and help (Like you) and we tend to lose contact so easily. I personally would like to thank @marynabadenhors (Twitter) for her introduction to twitter and blogging. in he past 2 months I have learnt so much about both of these networking platforms. I admit I was a skeptic who thought twitter and the like were only for those who wanted to keep up with the Hollywood gossip and could never see myself using or having a need for it - I even kept my twitter secret from my family - albeit only for a few days- because I thought they would think I was strange or something. Now, although I am not an everyday contributor yet I love to jump on and see what is going on in my PLN. I hope beyond my studies to continue and further develop & increase my PLN. It feels great to belong and you validate this with your generosity Beth. Thanks again & WELL DONE! WELL DONE BETH,
You are a star. You have used your PLN for good and given an opportunity to a complete stranger. You have been self-less and willing to give. So often today we see opportunities for us to take, take, take but you are a true giver.

As a Masters (EducationTechnology) student your use of PLN’s is very interesting – I am currently working on my final research paper and have never before used a PLN. Can you believe that?! I have participated in group discussions through discussion boards and online chat sessions with video link up with students across the world but at the completion of each of these units the students tended to submit their final assignment, say farewell and log out never to be seen again – other than the occasional student who you may have come across in a previous unit.

It is very disappointing that this has occurred as there are so many knowledgeable people out there willing to share and help (Like you) and we tend to lose contact so easily.

I personally would like to thank @marynabadenhors (Twitter) for her introduction to twitter and blogging. in he past 2 months I have learnt so much about both of these networking platforms. I admit I was a skeptic who thought twitter and the like were only for those who wanted to keep up with the Hollywood gossip and could never see myself using or having a need for it – I even kept my twitter secret from my family – albeit only for a few days- because I thought they would think I was strange or something.

Now, although I am not an everyday contributor yet I love to jump on and see what is going on in my PLN. I hope beyond my studies to continue and further develop & increase my PLN. It feels great to belong and you validate this with your generosity Beth.

Thanks again & WELL DONE!

]]> By: The ISTE10 Newbie Project is Underway! Meet this Year’s Newbie: | ISTE Connects - Educational Technology http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/04/19/demonstrate-the-power-of-a-personal-learning-network-help-send-a-newbie-to-necc/comment-page-2/#comment-2653 The ISTE10 Newbie Project is Underway! Meet this Year’s Newbie: | ISTE Connects - Educational Technology Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:41:43 +0000 http://www.isteconnects.org/?p=3225#comment-2653 [...] in April I wrote a post that appeared here on ISTE Connects which was titled “Demonstrate the Power of a Personal Learning Network: Help Send a Newbie to NECC.“  The post turned out to be incredibly popular and brought a lot of attention to the [...] [...] in April I wrote a post that appeared here on ISTE Connects which was titled “Demonstrate the Power of a Personal Learning Network: Help Send a Newbie to NECC.“  The post turned out to be incredibly popular and brought a lot of attention to the [...]

]]> By: Kelvin Thompson http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/04/19/demonstrate-the-power-of-a-personal-learning-network-help-send-a-newbie-to-necc/comment-page-2/#comment-1151 Kelvin Thompson Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:12:51 +0000 http://www.isteconnects.org/?p=3225#comment-1151 My PLN is a "force multiplier" (to use a term from Colin Powell). It extends my awareness, my processing power, my experiences, and my influence far beyond my own individual efforts and beyond my immediate (physical) community. I benefit from my PLN each day. (Thanks, Beth for being an important part of my PLN.) :-) My PLN is a “force multiplier” (to use a term from Colin Powell). It extends my awareness, my processing power, my experiences, and my influence far beyond my own individual efforts and beyond my immediate (physical) community. I benefit from my PLN each day. (Thanks, Beth for being an important part of my PLN.) :-)

]]> By: Sarah Richter http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/04/19/demonstrate-the-power-of-a-personal-learning-network-help-send-a-newbie-to-necc/comment-page-2/#comment-730 Sarah Richter Mon, 11 May 2009 17:45:49 +0000 http://www.isteconnects.org/?p=3225#comment-730 Beth, Thank you for keeping ESU 13 and Nebraska's Panhandle current with technology in the classroom! Beth,
Thank you for keeping ESU 13 and Nebraska’s Panhandle current with technology in the classroom!

]]> By: Kirk Begley http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/04/19/demonstrate-the-power-of-a-personal-learning-network-help-send-a-newbie-to-necc/comment-page-2/#comment-693 Kirk Begley Tue, 05 May 2009 19:45:07 +0000 http://www.isteconnects.org/?p=3225#comment-693 I have the privilege to work with Beth each day and appreciate her dedication to students and staff at ESU 13, VALTS, and NEVA. She believes in 21st century skills and allows our students to use technology tools each and every day in her classroom. Beth congrats on sending a newbie to the conference!! Keep up the good work!!! I have the privilege to work with Beth each day and appreciate her dedication to students and staff at ESU 13, VALTS, and NEVA. She believes in 21st century skills and allows our students to use technology tools each and every day in her classroom. Beth congrats on sending a newbie to the conference!! Keep up the good work!!!

]]> By: Jeff West http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/04/19/demonstrate-the-power-of-a-personal-learning-network-help-send-a-newbie-to-necc/comment-page-2/#comment-692 Jeff West Tue, 05 May 2009 18:00:57 +0000 http://www.isteconnects.org/?p=3225#comment-692 My compliments to Beth for putting such enthusiasm and energy into this very worthwhile project. Beth spends many hours preparing and teaching in her currecnt position. To also be willing to do this and help other people on top of all her other responsibilities, is worthy of recognition. My compliments to Beth for putting such enthusiasm and energy into this very worthwhile project. Beth spends many hours preparing and teaching in her currecnt position. To also be willing to do this and help other people on top of all her other responsibilities, is worthy of recognition.

]]> By: Molly Skoog http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/04/19/demonstrate-the-power-of-a-personal-learning-network-help-send-a-newbie-to-necc/comment-page-2/#comment-684 Molly Skoog Mon, 04 May 2009 18:10:19 +0000 http://www.isteconnects.org/?p=3225#comment-684 Great idea! Your sister let me know about this. Good luck! Great idea! Your sister let me know about this. Good luck!

]]> By: Beth Still http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/04/19/demonstrate-the-power-of-a-personal-learning-network-help-send-a-newbie-to-necc/comment-page-2/#comment-676 Beth Still Sat, 02 May 2009 13:39:28 +0000 http://www.isteconnects.org/?p=3225#comment-676 I am incredibly overwhelmed by the comments posted here. I am simply a teacher who had an idea. I organized the Newbie to NECC project, but it was the people in my (our) PLN that pulled it off. I relied on the help of several people in my PLN to help me as I worked through the logistical aspects, but it was through the power of the network that this project was successful. Individuals along with VoiceThread came together to work toward a common goal. I am thrilled that we reached the goal and that we did it in a relatively short amount of time. (Richard is in for an exciting and rewarding experience.) I never really doubted that we would, but I consider the biggest victory to be the fact that we can use this as a positive example of social networking. Think about other ways we can draw on the power of our network. How many times a day are we called on to send words of encouragement to someone who is new to Twitter? How often do we invite each other on our class blogs so we can help encourage each others students? The things we can accomplish when we work together are truly amazing. Lee mentioned there were some who questioned the value of this project. I am glad that those tough questions were asked because it gave me the opportunity to clarify a few points. It is necessary (albeit uncomfortable at times) to include people in our PLN who do not think the same way. If we surround ourselves with people who are just like us we won’t have as many opportunities for growth. The great thing about Twitter is that when these people get annoying we have the option to unfollow or just turn them off for a while! I hope that all of the people who commented on this post that are new to Twitter will stick with it. Twitter is all about who you follow; not who is following you. People who have the most successful PLN’s are the ones who have found the “right” people to follow. Who are the “right” people? It depends on who you are. There is no set group of people that you have to follow. You just have to take the time to find people that inspire you! If you are attending NECC I hope to meet you there. If not then I will continue learning with you here online. Thanks again for all of your kind words! I am incredibly overwhelmed by the comments posted here. I am simply a teacher who had an idea. I organized the Newbie to NECC project, but it was the people in my (our) PLN that pulled it off. I relied on the help of several people in my PLN to help me as I worked through the logistical aspects, but it was through the power of the network that this project was successful. Individuals along with VoiceThread came together to work toward a common goal.

I am thrilled that we reached the goal and that we did it in a relatively short amount of time. (Richard is in for an exciting and rewarding experience.) I never really doubted that we would, but I consider the biggest victory to be the fact that we can use this as a positive example of social networking. Think about other ways we can draw on the power of our network. How many times a day are we called on to send words of encouragement to someone who is new to Twitter? How often do we invite each other on our class blogs so we can help encourage each others students? The things we can accomplish when we work together are truly amazing.

Lee mentioned there were some who questioned the value of this project. I am glad that those tough questions were asked because it gave me the opportunity to clarify a few points. It is necessary (albeit uncomfortable at times) to include people in our PLN who do not think the same way. If we surround ourselves with people who are just like us we won’t have as many opportunities for growth. The great thing about Twitter is that when these people get annoying we have the option to unfollow or just turn them off for a while!

I hope that all of the people who commented on this post that are new to Twitter will stick with it. Twitter is all about who you follow; not who is following you. People who have the most successful PLN’s are the ones who have found the “right” people to follow. Who are the “right” people? It depends on who you are. There is no set group of people that you have to follow. You just have to take the time to find people that inspire you!

If you are attending NECC I hope to meet you there. If not then I will continue learning with you here online. Thanks again for all of your kind words!

]]> By: Kris Still http://www.isteconnects.org/2009/04/19/demonstrate-the-power-of-a-personal-learning-network-help-send-a-newbie-to-necc/comment-page-2/#comment-674 Kris Still Sat, 02 May 2009 02:45:09 +0000 http://www.isteconnects.org/?p=3225#comment-674 I am Beth's husband. I was skeptical at first about her project to raise money for Richard, but it did not surprise me when the goal was met. Over the last year, I have seen her reach out to people everywhere to motivate and receive motivation through the use of social networking sites such as twitter. Beth is one of those people who is not content to stand by and watch. What can I say, she is a leader in her field. I am very proud of her. I am Beth’s husband. I was skeptical at first about her project to raise money for Richard, but it did not surprise me when the goal was met. Over the last year, I have seen her reach out to people everywhere to motivate and receive motivation through the use of social networking sites such as twitter. Beth is one of those people who is not content to stand by and watch. What can I say, she is a leader in her field. I am very proud of her.

]]>