Week 11 - my pln

I had a makeshift PLN in place for myself before this class, but it wasn't organized or solid.  This class has shown me more efficient ways to create a PLN.  I was hired at Bridgewater before I actually finished my degree work.  I already had a masters, but neither degree was in PE.  I was pursuing my second undergrad.  Lucky for me, Charter schools can have a percentage of teachers not certified.  That being said, I had to create some sort of learning opportunity for myself.  I am the only PE and Health educator in my school.  I do not have anyone to help me plan or to collaborate with.  I go to AAHPERD conferences, but I needed something year round.
Now I have more sophisticated ways of using that network.  Using tools like Diggio help me access my information at school as well as at home.  My bookmarks tab was getting a bit ridiculous on my iMac.  Now I can continue to add sites without wondering "do I really need to add this to my bookmarks tab?'  I can add it to diggio and if I use it, great! If I don't, who cares.
I am a tekkie.  I am on top of the technology in my personal life and will continue to push for our school to do the same for our children.  I have found new ways of "connecting" to my students and athletes.  I have a separate Facebook page just for my athletes and students to friend me.  I create groups for the different teams I coach so we can "connect" just with our teammates.  I use to be that person who said, NO I will not be your friend on Facebook!  That is inappropriate! Now, I am the person who sat at the computer for one hour and created a whole new network of communication.  I had the most successful season of volleyball this year.  Yes we won at our final tournament, but that wasn't where the success happened.  This team struggled to find their voice, on and off the court.  At the close of the season, these kids had opened up, began to work as a unit and most importantly felt like they were part of something bigger than themselves.  They felt they belonged.  They had pride in themselves and their team.  One week after the tournament I logged on to that account and the team was still and is still involved in team conversation.  That group site continues to have posts and pictures added.  If I can take this team on a journey of trust, respect and inclusion through this site into next season, watch out.  They will be a team beyond the court.