2014 Siemens STEM InstituteAugust 3-8th, 2014Silver Spring, MD

Building Your PLN: A modeling exercise for in-person professional development workshops

Background Knowledge• This activity was performed with 50 middle and high school educators.

Prior to this activity, educators were introduced to the critical “C’s” of 21st century learning including connecting, collaborating, creating, critical thinking, curating, and community. The activity’s purpose was to model the importance of building relationships and demonstrate the exponential impact of connecting with just a few people.

• Participants were encouraged to put all computer devices away and to focus on this activity. Follow-up professional development was provided after the activity to answer logistical and technical questions on using Twitter in the classroom.

• 1 copy per person of the Twitter Profile handout

• 1 spool of yarn (your color preference)• tape• Pens, markers, crayons

Materials

• Write down 5 areas of expertise that you bring to the “watering hole”

Brainstorm

• Pass out the Twitter Profile handout• Have participants consider their list of ideas,

synthesize, and fill in each section of the handout to effectively share who they are (approx 10-15 minutes)– Tips: include grade level, subject area, and other

pertinent information in bio section so that folks can identify with you

Create

• Have participants tape their completed Twitter Profile handout in a designated location

• Once all profiles are hung, ask each participant to make a connection to 3 other people in the room that they want to learn from. Do this by taping one piece of yarn from their profile to their connection’s profile.

Connect

• Discuss participants ideas, thoughts, and reactions to this process.

• Provide follow-up professional development on the how-to and technical aspects of utilizing Twitter for education, setting up an account, etc.

Reflect