Module 1

Hello EDTECH 543 classmates! I am so excited for this course!

• What are you initial reactions about joining these social networks for use in this course?

My initial thoughts about jointing these social networks was “I got this!” I already have a personal twitter account and I also manage the twitter account for the technology coaches for my school district. In my previous courses I had a Diigo and WordPress accounts, so I knew a little about them already!

• What is your experience in using social media for your own professional development?

I am a technology coach for my school district and use social media quite a bit to share pictures, ideas, highlight projects or staff members, and share resources. I have been in charge of the account for this school year (so a semester), but I don’t feel I am using the social media to its full potential. For the school district technology coaching team we have a Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter account. I am excited to learn how to better manage and use these accounts, this will help me and the teachers of my district!

• What is your experience in using social media as an instructional strategy in your learning environment?

I teach 2nd grade, so social media as an instructional strategy is very limited in my classroom. My students know what these networks are and some even have an account or two. I have not used these accounts directly with my students. I am hoping I can find some ways to use it through this course. While I don’t use it directly with my students, I use it to find resources and ideas for my students. I also have a “teacher” Instagram account where I post pictures, ideas, and resources and use the site to find more!

• What are your expectations for this course?

I have a lot of expectations for this course, in a good way of course! These expectations are more for me more than anything! I use social media a lot and I want to know how to use it in my career more. As a manager of the technology coaching accounts I know that whatever I learn from this course helps me and the teachers in my district. I am hoping to learn how to use more social media in my classroom as well. I am so excited for this course- this is right up my alley!

I’m excited to meet all the other classmates in this course!