Tell me if this sounds familiar:

With the 2023 New Year, you resolved to build your Professional Learning Network–finally, to stop living in the 20th century where your world revolved around a sticks-and-bricks building, a landline phone, and the mailbox. You joined all the big social media platforms (X, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogging–just for starters). The plan was to learn from the movers and shakers in education, have them as a resource when you needed help on a lesson plan or to select the perfect webtool for a project. You committed hours to it, and then days, eager to make this work because everyone you know talks about how much they learn from social media. Now, six months into it, you know too much about your followers’ lunch plans and almost nothing about their educational pedagogy. You’re frustrated, angry, and ready to give this whole failed effort up.

Without knowing anything about you other than that paragraph above, I’m going to predict that you became overwhelmed by the volume of information that flooded your inbox every day. The purpose of a social media-based PLN is to extend your reach beyond the narrow confines of the bubble you live in, not lose everything important in constant noise.

Before you unplug, try these seven steps to clean up the clutter, smooth out the wrinkles, and put you back in the driver’s seat of your online life:

Keep your stream pure

Only accept friends in your professional area of interest. This is less like a speed-dating party and more like a job application. When you come across a promising educator, visit their social media, pass judgment on whether they fit your needs, and then make a decision.

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I used to be pretty good at accounting because I was a whiz with spreadsheets and data analysis. That changed when accounting began relying heavily on technology. Well, to be honest, traditional accounting–financial analysis, auditing, and tax knowledge–might still revolve around my sweet spots, but the rest, I now hire skilled professionals.

And I’m not the only one who realizes the importance of tech skills in accounting has changed. One of our Ask a Tech Teacher members has a great article outlining the tech skills you’ll want to look at if you’re interesting in pursuing an accounting career after high school:

7 Highly Useful Tech Skills to Develop if You’re Aiming for a Career in Accounting

In the digital era, the accounting industry has tightened its embrace of technology, transforming traditional roles into tech-oriented ones. Undeniably, tech skills have become just as essential as understanding debit and credit for accountants as computers become necessary for work. 

These technological competencies allow accountants to streamline their work, provide more in-depth analysis, and enhance decision-making processes. Whether you’re just stepping into the world of accounting or aspiring to advance your career, sharpening your tech skills will unlock new opportunities and make you a much sought-after professional in this industry.

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Here are eight online resources for quick animations. For updates on this list, click here:

1. Animate with Krita–free Photoshop-like program for animation (see video below)
2. Animation and 3D Templates from MS
3. Brush Ninja–free and no registration required
4. ChatterPix–make anything talk
5. Draw and Tell–for K-2
6. PowerPoint–a video showing how to create animations in PowerPoint
7. Puppet Pals HD (free app)–Create your own unique shows with animation and audio in real time
8. Wick Editor–free, open source, to create games, animations, and more

If you’re not familiar with creating animations, here’s a longish video on using one popular program:

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I have written in the past about parent questions concerning technology in education, but always from the perspective of a teacher at the classroom. Now, I  teach grad school classes online to practicing teachers and want to see if those questions are the same.

So I asked my grad school students: What questions do parents ask you about technology and education? Here are the top issues:

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America, we love you on Patriot’s Day (formerly 9/11).

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvsN0Id4LEg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwcWVs4Eejg?si=nfBd6Unur6CmgiUH&start=35]

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wucTW_Y5hgU?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent]

If you aren’t familiar with this terrorist attack, here’s a 2-minute overview:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uOn7xLYPbc?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent]

Here’s a short list of good ESL and ELL resources. For updates, click here:

1. Digital Storytelling for Language and Culture Learning (PDF) – National Writing Project
   http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/download/nwp_file/12189/Judith_Rance-Roney_Digital_Storytelling.pdf?x-r=pcfile_d
2. L2 Digital Storytelling
3. MCC ESL Digital Stories
4. Teaching English – Digital Storytelling
   http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/blogs/özge-karaoğlu/digital-storytelling
5. Web English Teacher – Digital Storytelling
   http://www.webenglishteacher.com/ds.html

ESL

1. English Tools--digital tools to assist learning English as a second language
2. Resource Guide for ESL
3. SuperProf–private ESL online tutoring
4. The TEFL Academy–course provider for those looking to teach English as a second language!

–image credit Deposit Photos

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Find tech ed resources

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Go ahead–check it out!

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Learning to code is akin to receiving the key to a world of opportunities. It’s not about zeros and ones, or math and science. It’s about solving problems kids didn’t think they could, in creative ways that feel good. It gives students the power to shape a world they’re becoming part of, for many the key to a brighter future than their current one.

The Ask a Tech Teacher crew has come up with a foundational list of tips for teaching coding. Read them. Share in comments what your secret techniques are:

6 Tips for Teaching Kids Coding

If you were around when the internet first came out, you may have seen how coding was a career for specialized professionals. These professionals needed to get a specialized degree, and they gained experience through building software. But today, coding has become more accessible, and everything online was made through coding, and today’s employers are looking for employees who can code. If you are preparing to teach kids how to code, there are a few things you should know.

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I am a lifelong learner. I find great joy in discovering something new and connecting it to what I know. This is made easier because I received a good foundation in my school years in how to learn. The Ask a Tech Teacher crew has ideas on those skills that will not only serve you well in your academics but beyond:

4 Highly Important Study Skills to Develop During College and Beyond

We spend a lifetime learning, so it makes sense to develop a few study skills that will make our lives easier. Plus, some of these skills will help you have a successful career and even stay ahead.

Today, we’ll talk about 4 of these highly important skills and how to achieve them while you’re still in college. 

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Teaching Critical Thinking Through Essay Examples: Unlocking Minds

We’re exploring a fun classroom adventure where teachers teach us to think carefully and write good essays using examples. Get ready to go on an interesting trip through the world of education. We’ll see how these great teachers turn simple essays into smart thinking tools. Let’s get our learning hats on and explore the exciting landscape of teaching critical thinking through essay examples!

Why Essays? Unraveling the Mystery

Before we leap into the nitty-gritty, you might wonder, “Why essays?” Hold on to your hats because these innocent writing pieces are secret treasure chests filled with the spark of critical thinking. Essays are like intellectual playgrounds where students swing between ideas, bounce off different perspectives, and dive deep into topics. They’re the building blocks of academic exploration, and guess what? They’re not about getting good grades they’re about nurturing your brain into an analytical powerhouse.

Transforming Analysis into Action: Elevating Learning

But hold your horses. The beauty lies in applying analytical prowess beyond the classroom walls. Critical thinking isn’t a skill. It’s a way of life. When you dissect essay samples for college, you’re becoming a better student, a sharper problem solver, a more empathetic communicator, and a curious explorer of ideas. Here’s the deal: Imagine a treasure map leading you to a pot of gold. In our educational journey, that treasure map is a free essay example and the pot of gold? That’s the wisdom and insight waiting to be uncovered on a useful web site like gradesfixer.com. These valuable websites are like the friendly wizards of the internet, giving you access to many essays spanning various topics and styles. It’s like having a library at your fingertips, ready to whisk you to new realms of thought and analysis.

1. Curricular Crossroads: Where Critical Thinking Meets the Curriculum

Picture this: you’re navigating through the intricate maze of your curriculum, and you stumble upon a hidden passage. This passage isn’t a shortcut, it’s a gateway to unlocking the full potential of your education. Welcome to the realm where critical thinking and curriculum shake hands in a glorious embrace.

Teachers, those educational wizards, know how to blend the essence of critical thinking into every subject. Whether it’s dissecting historical events, analyzing scientific experiments, or deconstructing literary masterpieces, the art of critical thinking is woven into the fabric of your curriculum.

2. Exams: The Ultimate Critical Thinking Challenge

Ah, exams – the inevitable rite of passage for students everywhere. But hold on a minute, let’s flip the script. Exams aren’t about regurgitating facts, they’re arenas for showcasing your critical thinking prowess. Remember those analytical skills you’ve honed by dissecting essays? Well, they’re your secret weapons against the exams!

When armed with the ability to analyze critically, you approach exam questions like a puzzle waiting to be solved. No longer are you memorizing? You’re synthesizing information, connecting dots, and crafting thoughtful responses demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject. The result? You’re not earning grades, you’re conquering the exam battlefield with the banner of critical thinking held high.

3. From Web Pages to Real-World Savvy

Let’s talk about how your adventures in critical thinking extend beyond the classroom walls. The real world is a complex tapestry of ideas, challenges, and opportunities. And guess what? Your trusty companions on your journey are the skills you’ve sharpened while dissecting essays and curricular content.

The Art of Unpacking Essays: Teacher’s Edition

So, what’s the secret sauce teachers use to sprinkle critical thinking magic onto those essay pages? Let’s unveil the mystery:

Question Everything: Teachers aren’t after the correct answers, they want to know how you got there. They’ll throw you questions like a master archer aiming for the bullseye of your brain. “Why did the author use this word? How does this argument hold up under scrutiny?” These questions unravel the threads of an essay, revealing the intricate web of thought behind it.

Play the Devil’s Advocate: Ever seen a teacher transform into a debate wizard? That’s them encouraging you to wear the hat of a critical thinker. They’ll prod you to analyze different sides of an argument, push your boundaries, and consider viewpoints you might have dismissed at first glance.

Spot the Big Ideas: Essays are like puzzles, and teachers are the ultimate puzzle masters. They’ll guide you in dissecting an essay to identify the central themes, arguments, and underlying messages. It’s like being a detective in your mind!

In Conclusion: Your Critical Thinking Odyssey

So, my fellow adventurers in learning, remember this: essays aren’t words on paper. They’re the keys to unlocking your mind’s potential. By diving into the world of essay samples, you’re embarking on a journey that will shape your grades and outlook on the planet. Embrace the challenge, the questions, and the magic of critical thinking. And if you ever need a trusty sidekick in your quest, don’t forget to visit gradesfixer.com for inspiration and enlightenment! Now go forth, armed with the power of critical thinking, and conquer the academic universe, one essay at a time. 

–Photo credit by Nick Morrison on Unsplash and Super Snapper on Unsplash

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Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.