Power of a Twitter Chat to Professional Learning

Well, it happened!  Tonight at 8PM EST, we welcomed #1stchat into the world of Twitter's many educational chat series.  I have been present and followed along with edchat and several other level specific chats when the topic seems to be something that I can benefit from.  That is the best part about it really.  You don't have to be a teacher of a specific level to fit in, rather just an educator or person with a similar interest or something to contribute.  The more involved I get into similar twitter groups, or the closer the relationships I build with members of my PLN, I am amazed at what I take away from these experiences.  The one thing I do wish is that others that don't understand would see what a valuable resource it is and truly an inspiration!  In just over the 2 or some odd weeks that #1stchat has been in the works, I have met wonderful people, whom I may not have come across, such as the organizer Christine Yarzebek (@CYarzy).  She is a great person who has really contributed a lot to my learning as well as the many others who have come to be apart of this wonderful close nit group of First Grade Educators.  I have also been able to have more conversations with Laura Komos (@Komos72), whom I first met a few months ago at EdCamp Chicago.  After connecting with her I followed her on twitter and have found her blog to be an interesting read that I am looking forward to following more closely as I think I will find things to implement in my classroom as well.  http://delightfuldaily5cafe.blogspot.com/ Here she talks about implementing the Daily 5 in her classroom, which is becoming much more popular throughout my district and staff.  Alright, enough with my ramblings, but these are just two short examples of the ways that my presence on Twitter and being an active participant in online chats such as #1stchat have helped me to grow personally and professionally.  I cannot think of a better way of spending my summer vacation that interacting with other excellent educators that are truly an inspiration to me and help me to strive to be even better!  I hope that you con see the positives in being an active member on Twitter as well as participating in some chat that may interest you and help you to grow as an individual as well.

It is my new goal to begin blogging more often and get into a habit of writing down the things that inspire me and new things that I am learning.  Until next time, go out and do something great and wonderful!

~Tim @teach1tech

iPad2 in hand and at my fingertips

It's been forever since I last blogged on here, however it is my hopes to start getting more into this and learn my way through life as a blogger. Here's some new excitement in my life:

Last Friday I was able to finally take the dive and purchase the new IPad 2. It had been a long time coming and I was very ready to have one. Last year when the 1st generation came out I was more skeptical along with many others. I also knew if it was anything like the iTouch a second generation would be on it's way. I am also sure there are others to follow the 2nd for Apple, but have been able to research enough to know this is in fact a good buy. As a teacher I saw what a wonderful tool this could be for my classroom as well as how it would benefit my professional life as well. It's only been about a week, and I have discovered so much and know that I have only just begun to clear the icing on this cake. To me that is exciting. I will share my discoveries as well as the experiences that I have as I utilize this in my classroom. I am excited for the possibilities! It is opening even more wonderful doorways.

Until next time!