Connect, Expand, Share...

Last February I was working with some teachers in my district to help students build background knowledge prior to reading the Book, Woodsong by Gary Paulsen. We were brainstorming various basic ideas; google searching images, websites and articles online. I just knew that we could do more and that technology allows this. I decided to reach out to my friend Andrew Chlup @chlupa. Andrew is a tech director in Alaska and I met him at ISTE17. This communication created an amazing learning opportunity for our 6th grade students. Students and teachers from Alaska shared information regarding the role of mushing in Alaska, the geographic relationship with mushing in Alaska including weather and equipment and also the mechanics of mushing. We were able to use a Zoom connection with their Alaska class and our three 6th grade classes in Nebraska to connect, learn and share.

This experience was made possible not only by technology but by connections. The connection made at IST17. When attending conferences we all go “in” with goals to learn something about a specific topic or idea. We listen, learn, take notes and think of ways to implement these things in our own classrooms or jobs back in our buildings. But, how do you keep this learning sustainable? How do you share this with others? Whether attending ISTE, EDCamp or NETA, how do you implement what you have learned, share it and keep it going beyond the two or three days of the actual conference or event. The above example was a connection I took away from ISTE17 and was able to create a learning opportunity and connection for students in my own district.

Since this experience, I have been thinking of ways to take learning from blogs, conferences and podcasts and expand on it. I really wanted to take what I learned throughout the
Alaska Connection” and other learning experiences and create a “Nebraska” connection. With some collaboration, brainstorming, problem solving and together with Katie Pfanstiel we have created a plan. We are currently working on a virtual learning opportunity with her students called: Connecting Nebraska the Good Life.

So, as you prepare for spring learning opportunities I have a challenge for you. Whether you are attending a conference, listening to a podcast or reading a blog post, how can you expand and share your learning? What other opportunities can you create? How can you take this beyond the ten minute podcast or two day conference. Strive for something bigger, something sustainable… make the connection...

If you would like to follow our Connection Nebraska journey feel free to check it out at:

bit.ly/ConnectingNebraska