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"When you have a specific interest, it can be difficult to learn more about it from people in your immediate circle of influence. Teaching is broad and we all have that one area we love just a little more than the others. This is why I sought out to understand more about Professional Learning Networks (PLN) and their value to teachers. I am often trying to persuade my peers to get online so they can reap the benefits that I am."

Free resources and lesson plans for teaching with technology

Good blog about free technology teachers can access for education

Free online education magazine to read or download (PDF) This issue has a 'Teacher Network' theme.

I use this online timer during independent reading- a great way to avoid students asking "how much longer"

Scholastic is filled with not only amazing books for families and educators but they have great lessons as well!

A collection of stories read by actors - could be used as a reading center, an alternative to read alouds, or a home alternative for students.

A website made in conjunction with the Screen Actors Guild thaf has famous actors reading a range of picture story books with accompanying pictures from the book. Includes activities to do in class as well.  Needs Flash but you can just go to the YouTube channel to access the stories themselves. http://www.youtube.com/StorylineOnline

Storyline is a website that brings stories to life, it helps that each one is told by a great storyteller.

Great 3-5 minute long brain break activities!

GoNoodle is a wonderful tool for movement breaks in the classroom! It's fun and the kids LOVE it!!

Great blog for educators!!

An excellent listing of many educational Twitter chats and when they happen in a Google Calendar format. Even lets you change time zones!

Interactive calendars of education chat schedules for Twitter.

Ways to set up PLM

'Inside the Black Box' was written by Black and William in 1998 and in it they describe the classroom as a black box with inputs and outputs but what occurred inside was a mystery. For many teachers the reality has been that what occurs in their classroom has been both private and isolating, a matter between the teacher and his or her students but a task largely tackled alone. But this isolationist view is, in the age of the social media and networking increasingly challenged and more and more teachers are finding their voice, sharing their ideas and gaining valuable insights from a global community of connected educators.

"It seems like just yesterday that I was a disconnected nomad working hard to maintain the status quo and conform to a rigid system commonly known as education. You see, prior to 2009 I was adamantly opposed to even the thought of using social media for both personal and professional reasons. As a building level leader burdened by endless responsibilities, I could not fathom wasting even a precious minute in what I saw as a perpetual time sap. " Read the rest of this post to see how Eric discovered being connected on social media and engaging in conversations with passionate educators has transformed his work in education.

One connected educator helps others understand the concept of a "PLN" through two metaphors.

I think this is a dilemma that many professional educators face. Do we get away from all things school-related for the summer? Or should we stay connected to and continue to develop our personal learning networks and nurture our professional growth?