8 Key Connectors
1. Invest in a Personal and Professional Learning Network (P2LN): This variable is about investing in others in order to gain knowledge of something in return. Educators need interaction in order to grow not only personally, but professionally. This network stands as a platform for setting goals toward collaboration and interaction amongst our educational peers. Many valuable resources are mentioned in order to enhance your learning network: Twitter in 60 seconds, hash tags in 60 seconds, Top 10 ways to get more followers on Twitter, and growing your PLN (personal learning network) (Whitaker, pg. 10).
2. Learn What They Want, Whey They Want, How They Want: Connected educators love learning, and do not limit their love of learning to the traditional methods. They find ways to learn from other educators all over the world. They reach out to others, regardless how far, in an effort to learn as much as possible. They realize that other educators are experiencing the same challenges as they are, which in turn creates an opportunity to learn new strategies and take in new suggestions (Whitaker, pg.18).
3. Embrace the Three Cs: Communication, Collaboration, and Community: Connected educators develop connections through social media as a means of communication and support. They strive to build communities that do not exist, through outlets derived from circles outside of their immediate community. Connected educators feel that this process allows for diversity and the opportunity to embrace and foster different cultures. They will use outlets such as: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs, and podcasts (Whitaker, pg. 30).
4. Give and Take...and Give Some More: Connected educators are always free to give of themselves. After a full day in the classroom, they will spend their evenings participating in online learning chats, taking video calls from a colleague across the world, and meeting with their learning network colleagues on the weekends (Whitaker, pg. 45). This process can be exhausting, however connected educators are mindful of the importance of balance in their schedule. One favorite way that connected educators give is by simply connecting one educator in need with another. This way they both will find support, ideas, and valuable resources.
5. Strive to Be Tomorrow...Today: Connected educators have such a drive, and they desire to consistently want to be better. They believe that they have the ability to make a difference in many lives across the world (Whitaker, pg. 61). They want to be surrounded by educators that challenge their thoughts and ideas, and will provide opportunities to reflect on their personal and professional decisions. Connected educators are global thinkers, and continually reach out beyond their learning zones (Whitaker, pg. 61).
6. Know that it is Still about the 3 Rs: Relationships, Relationships, Relationships: All educators value the importance of establish relationships amongst their colleagues and students. However, connected educators take this process to a different level, in that they have an additional network of people with whom they interact with on a daily basis (Whitaker, pg. 79). They work beyond the walls of their classrooms, and even their districts. Creating positive interactions is vital amongst connected educators, as they share stories, exchange ideas, and grow equally on their relations (Whitaker, pg. 81).
7. Model the Way: Connected educators model the way for others. They are open and honest with their thoughts and ideas. They are passionate about the projects that they participate in, and their actions speak for what they stand for (Whitaker, pg. 98). Their focus remains on how their actions impact the individuals that they are honored to come in contact with. Their philosophy is that one person can make a difference in the lives of others.
8. Know when to Unplug: At times, connected educators may find themselves getting to deeply involved. In these situations, they are reminded once again of the balance that they must keep in their schedules. Research has shown that many of us spend too many hours "plugged in" to our work (Whitaker, pg. 112) Overtime, this can lead to a negative impact on our lives. Examples: low self-esteem, off sleep patterns, and anxiety.
2. Learn What They Want, Whey They Want, How They Want: Connected educators love learning, and do not limit their love of learning to the traditional methods. They find ways to learn from other educators all over the world. They reach out to others, regardless how far, in an effort to learn as much as possible. They realize that other educators are experiencing the same challenges as they are, which in turn creates an opportunity to learn new strategies and take in new suggestions (Whitaker, pg.18).
3. Embrace the Three Cs: Communication, Collaboration, and Community: Connected educators develop connections through social media as a means of communication and support. They strive to build communities that do not exist, through outlets derived from circles outside of their immediate community. Connected educators feel that this process allows for diversity and the opportunity to embrace and foster different cultures. They will use outlets such as: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs, and podcasts (Whitaker, pg. 30).
4. Give and Take...and Give Some More: Connected educators are always free to give of themselves. After a full day in the classroom, they will spend their evenings participating in online learning chats, taking video calls from a colleague across the world, and meeting with their learning network colleagues on the weekends (Whitaker, pg. 45). This process can be exhausting, however connected educators are mindful of the importance of balance in their schedule. One favorite way that connected educators give is by simply connecting one educator in need with another. This way they both will find support, ideas, and valuable resources.
5. Strive to Be Tomorrow...Today: Connected educators have such a drive, and they desire to consistently want to be better. They believe that they have the ability to make a difference in many lives across the world (Whitaker, pg. 61). They want to be surrounded by educators that challenge their thoughts and ideas, and will provide opportunities to reflect on their personal and professional decisions. Connected educators are global thinkers, and continually reach out beyond their learning zones (Whitaker, pg. 61).
6. Know that it is Still about the 3 Rs: Relationships, Relationships, Relationships: All educators value the importance of establish relationships amongst their colleagues and students. However, connected educators take this process to a different level, in that they have an additional network of people with whom they interact with on a daily basis (Whitaker, pg. 79). They work beyond the walls of their classrooms, and even their districts. Creating positive interactions is vital amongst connected educators, as they share stories, exchange ideas, and grow equally on their relations (Whitaker, pg. 81).
7. Model the Way: Connected educators model the way for others. They are open and honest with their thoughts and ideas. They are passionate about the projects that they participate in, and their actions speak for what they stand for (Whitaker, pg. 98). Their focus remains on how their actions impact the individuals that they are honored to come in contact with. Their philosophy is that one person can make a difference in the lives of others.
8. Know when to Unplug: At times, connected educators may find themselves getting to deeply involved. In these situations, they are reminded once again of the balance that they must keep in their schedules. Research has shown that many of us spend too many hours "plugged in" to our work (Whitaker, pg. 112) Overtime, this can lead to a negative impact on our lives. Examples: low self-esteem, off sleep patterns, and anxiety.