Activity 8: Create or Extend Your Professional Social Media Networks

Provide evidence (links/pictures) of your professional involvement in social media networks. Briefly discuss one or more platforms that you feel best supports engagement with your professional development.

My professional involvement in social media networks is (I feel) fairly limited at this point. I’m a passive user who prefers to read and absorb information and ideas, rather than actively contribute to discussions. Whilst what I read online generally supportive, at times it can be controversial. As a result, I am still apprehensive about what I post and the reactions that it will receive, so prefer to have face-to-face interactions with my colleagues at my school who I know will be supportive and encouraging.

Currently I use the following social media networks for my professional practice:

• Google+ - good for accessing what is happening amongst the Ako Hiko cluster and becoming more globally connected.I have found it beneficial to see what other teachers in digital classes are doing (particularly those in their second year as I begin to look forward to next year and what may work in my classroom).
• Blogs - currently I have 3: A class blog to share what is happening in my classroom, a school community engagement blog (set up with my colleague) which I shared with other educators during an Ako Hiko cluster leadership day and this reflective journey one.

Figure 1: Padlet created during an Ako Hiko Leaders of Learning Workshop, where our school's community engagement blog was shared.

• Facebook – I am part of several education related groups, and not just those that are New Zealand based. From these groups I source ideas, resources, motivation, positive encouragement (for those drastically challenging moments!) and I can keep up to date with educational issues.

Figure 2: Facebook groups allow for collaboration and sharing between people with similar interests.

• Pinterest - idea creation and sharing - ranging from lesson ideas to classroom displays, it’s so easy to use and organise! If only it wasn’t blocked at school!

Figure 3: Pinterest is a great way of sharing and organising ideas.

At this stage, I prefer to use blogs and my google+ account as a way of engaging with my professional community as it allows for me to easily connect with students, peers, and families, as well as a more global audience. This may be partly due to the fact that these social media accounts are linked to my school email and I find it easier to manage, as the boundaries between my personal and professional life are clear cut.

In terms of professional development, I feel most supported through facebook groups as I can access them anytime, anywhere. They are regularly updated and it comforts more to know that there are other teachers who are facing similar challenges, and that there are also lots of solutions!

My next challenge (after reading this) is to embark on a twitter venture to extend my social media network - wish me luck!