Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Are you tired of always having to collaborate with the same people that you work with? The same people whom you have collaborated with over the past few decades...I know...it must be such a burden. You have already heard their ideas a million times before and do you really think you need to hear them again? Well...the answer to that is NO!

Have you ever tried to connect yourself with teachers around the world....yes, around the WORLD via different online tools? If the answer to this question is no, then you, my friend, are missing out! Let me help you! 

First of all I want to start mentioning some of the different tools out there that you may use to connect with other teachers. I will also mention some of the pros/cons for each of these tools. Hopefully, by the end of this blog, you will be able to start your journey as a connected educator!

Blogging: 
Pros-
1. You are currently reading a blog post...need I say more?
2. An easy way to get all of your ideas out there and NOT have to repeat yourself a million times!
3. The best way to get ideas from other educators all around the world.
Cons-
1. Not having any visitors on your page :(

Google Docs:
Pros-
1. Many people can work on the SAME document at the SAME time...amazing, I know!
2. You can share your ideas and have other educators add their 2 cents as well.
3. You are the only one who can give access to other educator to collaborate on your Doc.
Cons-
1. Possibly not being able to grant permission to everyone who wants to be involved.
2. Having too many collaborators! 

Twitter:
Pros-
1. Super easy to use.
2. Easy to share articles and read articles that other educators have posted.
3. Link other users by using a hashtag (#).
4. Join a group chat in which you can obtain information on a certain topic.
Cons-
1. Chats are a little overwhelming because people are always posting information.

Google Hangouts:
Pros-
1. Works as a chat or a video chat.
2. Many people can chat at the same time.
3. Syncs easily with your Google account.
Cons-
1. You must have a Google account.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading this post and have obtained some useful information! I can't wait to see you in the online world of educators!

Mariela