A traditional teacher had different types of connections in their life such as colleagues, family, students, curriculum etc. The idea of a connected teacher takes that to a whole other level. A connected teacher still has all the connections a traditional teacher but with the additional of any digital connections as well such as creating an online presence, having class profiles on social media and all the resources. Not to mention the endless emails from parents, colleagues and then personal connections. These digital connections can improve a student’s ability to connect with their students even more.
Students in todays society are so connected, to each other, to their family, and to the world around them. Social media gives them the chance to become a connected student and know more about the world around them. Students now a days have many connections if not just as many as a connected teacher. While they are different students still have connections to family, online resources for their interests, posting pictures on the social media, staying connected with friends, school work, and different events going on around the world. In terms of things happening around the world, students can find out about a disaster or shooting happening across the world within minutes of it happening because of social media.
This impacts me as a teacher because students have access to so much knowledge and connections across the world, thanks to technology, so it is important to utilize this as much as we can and create an environment where students can share the knowledge and connections they have made. I feel as an early year’s teacher it is important to keep up to date with current technological advances in order to properly educate our students on what they need to successfully take part in this digital world.
Emily's Tech Talk 