Part of the Goals 2010 Challenge Series, Goal 17
Many of us have caught the social media fever. We love our Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) and want to persuade all educators to participate. However, Twitter, nings, blogging, and did I mention Twitter, are not appealing to a majority of educators. In a past post, Most Teachers Don’t Live There, I reflect on my reasons for wanting teachers to live in blog land and Twitter world. In spite of my convictions and passions, I do not try to sale social media and web 2.0. I have come to learn that sharing my personal learning journey is a better way. My blog is one way I do this. Many of you know a lot about me including what I looked like when I was a baby. My long-term goal is to begin sharing my personal learning journey at presentations.
Crafting Our Stories
In Marti Side’s recent post, The Story of Kunami10, she shares her journey about receiving her black belt. Marti does not paint a pretty picture. In fact, she talks about bruising and being so sore she did not want to get out of bed. I love this about her story. When we talk to others about our journeys we need to paint a complete picture. Yes, I had to invest time in learning about technology. I made many mistakes and really embarrassed myself at times. Technology and social media are not easy and do take time to learn. Some people will need to invest more time than others. If they are not prepared well for this reality, then they will be completely turned off to technology. I have seen this happen to many teachers who were forced to use technology in their schools with no notice or preparation. Some get very hostile if you mention the “T” word.
Another part of your story, should be to share what you learned and how you learned this. When possible, we should offer guidance and resources. Later, we may also have to check-in and see how the educator’s journey is going with technology.
Sharing Stories with Students
One of the most powerful ways to connect with your students is to share your journeys. Many of our students may not believe we relate to them. By sharing our personal stories we can overcome the generational gap and show our empathy. I am not saying we should get uncomfortably personal, but every once in awhile our colleagues and students can be inspired by our personal journeys. A wonderful example of a teacher connecting with his students is Jim Burke’s post, When the Teaching Gets Too Real. By posting this experience in his blog, Jim Burke also managed to reach many educators as well.
The Challenges
If you are just joining the challenge or missed a challenge, here is a list of all the goals we have accomplished so far.
- Keep a Diary
- Contribute to a Blog Carnival
- Start an Adventure
- Support a New Blogger
- Update Your Online Profiles
- Set a Google Alert
- Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
- What’s Your Personal Theme Song?
- Be a Guest Blogger
- Make A Connection
- Ask, Perhaps You’ll Receive
- Reach Out
- Give Students Reign
- Cause a Ripple
- Create: 40 Writing, Music, & Art Resources
- Voice Your Appreciation
Congratulations to all who have participated! Even if you only completed one goal, you have accomplished something amazing in 2010!
Challenge:
Share a personal triumph or failure with someone. Sharing this with your students may help you connect with them on a deeper level.
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This is goal 17 of this series! If you’d like to join the challenge, please read this post with more details!
Don’t forget to leave a comment that you accomplished this goal using the hashtag #30Goals!
When has sharing your personal story inspired your colleagues or students?
