eMedia: Explore, Create, Collaborate

I think that there are lots of benefits to an eMedia group. First, these groups give educators a chance to connect with educators inside and outside of their normal PLC. Networking is a powerful resource that can be hard for educators to tap into. However, eMedia groups make it so much easier to connect with other educators across the state who have similar goals and desired outcomes.

Another reason groups are helpful is that it creates an easy space to not only find resources but also to talk about them, tweak them, better understand why something is desired the way it is, etc... Additionally, it's nice that this platform is specific to Utah because it will provide resources that fit specifically with Utah core standards. In other teacher resource search engines, you have to weed out other state's standards, make sure they still align with Utah standards, and hope the raving comments actually fit with Utah standards. This takes out much of the guess work when finding and editing resources from other educators. 

I agree, there are many benefits for the eMedia Groups.  As I was looking for a group to join, I found the Utah OER Collective.  The third resource down was for a Bio Poem Lesson.  I use that Poem format in my class at the beginning of the year to help us get to know each other better.  I love that it is a science/writing lesson.  While it is several grade levels above what I teach, I can definitely see using this for Animal Structures and Functions – for both living animals and fossils.  Students will have fun using this format to share an animal, or plant.  As I looked further, I found many resources that will be very helpful for me in my instruction and so easy to find due to the organization. 

I also love the idea of getting feedback on lessons and resources.  It is a great way to adjust, tweak, and improve these.  We can also share ideas and thoughts about concerns we have that are specific to Utah’s Core Standards. What an amazing way to collaborate with other educators in our state!

I like the idea of collaborating with different content areas, that would be a great way to use these groups/

The biggest benefit is just widening the  PLC that I'm apart of. In my teaching career I have greatly enjoyed working with the other teachers at my school on my team. Having other teachers who are teaching the same thing gives me support, and helps me improve my practice. The teachers I have taught with have been one of the biggest motivators and helps in helping me improve my practice. I imgaine that these groups can have a similar benefit. Teachers from all over the state are going to be doing awesome things to help students learn. These groups make it so I can learn from all of them not just those at my school. 

I think the biggest benefit of groups is diversity of resources. If you look at any school and any classroom you will see a diverse group of students, teachers, needs and strengths. The best way to meet that diverse grouping is to gather and look at resources from a diverse group of people as well. Most of us have our grade level or content PLC groups that fills this roll for some but there can/should always be more to learn. 

For me I like groups because I teach resource and it can be very overwhelming to try to cover so much for so many without a specific team to help support. I've taken a couple other classes this summer and it has been very helpful to learn from others of some tricks and tools that can make my job easier. Groups do the same thing in my opinion over more broad topics. 

I like how you brought up the diversity of resources. I feel like that is such a huge thing. I teach middle school and I know sometimes I have a hard time finding things that are easier than high school level but also harder than elementary levels. Sometimes we get overlooked a little. By having so many different things to sift through, it increases my chances of finding something. 

I like the responses that have been shared already. I agree that there are many benefits of having groups in eMedia. Just like the video stated in the introduction, these discussion groups allow us to share interests with other educators and also allow us to ask questions to those who share our specific occupation and position. 

There are many times that I have had a question about how to best teach a concept to my students. I have looked to other teachers, coaches and administrators in my school. When I haven't found something I like, I have sent emails to other teachers in the District and that has been nice to hear their ideas. I can imagine that having discussion boards like this in multiple groups can only widen the pool of those who can further help with those who know our standards in Utah. I have found that some of my best practices have been ideas from other educators. I would love to contine to build that PLN through these group discussions.

I also agree that discussions boards can be so helpful, but they are only helpful if educators are using them.  I need to remember these resources exsist beyond this class.  While I like the specific topics of some of these boards, I feel like the use of them by educators is limited.  But maybe that is because I only found these this summer...

One of the benefits I see to this group is that it connects teachers in Utah to one another.  It is challenging because there are so many places where we can connect online but you have to find the area that works for you.  eMedia is a good place to join if you are looking for a smaller group centered around a particular topic, event or curriculum.  I also feel it is very geared towards those living within the state of Utah.  If someone is looking for a ton of ideas and daily discussions they may be better off joining facebook educator groups that tend to have a lot more participation but also a lot more stuff to sift through to find relavant information.  But eMedia groups can connect educators based on more specific needs.

I will use groups when I need to teach a particular topic or lesson.  For example, I just found a Scrible group that has been very helpful as I am getting ready to help students use Scrible organize information for a research paper.  I plan to use many of the resources  in the Scrible group and help other educators by contributing the good things that I find.

I like how you mentioned connecting other Utah teachers. I always feel that learning from other teachers with more experiences is invaluable and so worth while. 

I think there are many benefits to being in eMedia groups. One is it is foucused on a main area of content. You can come together focused on a main topic. I also feel like it feels less intimidating to share within a group. I like the idea of joining specific groups within eMedia.

I agree that it is less intimidating to share within a group.  There are so many groups available in eMedia that focus on main content that will be beneficial professionally as a teacher.  When we share with a group we gain valuable insight and resources.

I think there are a lot of benefits to eMedia groups. As I was looking through the groups, I thought it was interesting to see how many groups had been created and how many groups were school or district based. I think the biggest benefit of eMedia groups is the potential to share resources with other teachers who you wouldn't normally meet. With the disucssions, I think a big benefit is the same as above, being able to communicate, share ideas or resources with people in a completely different demographic than you. I think there is a huge benefit of learning from more experienced teachers. I've always found that they understand how a lot of things work and what doesn't work. Another benefit is being able to find resources that are cross curriculum. I know I'm always looking for ways to tie math to other subjects or scenarios that would model a real life situation or carreer. Being able to find new resources that are already cross curriculum and other teachers have found work for them is such a big benefit for me. 

I think eMedia groups will help build my professional learning network because I am able to learn from other teachers that have more experience than myself. As I said above, I feel like learning from teachers who have more experience than me is something that a lot of people take for granted. They've seen it all, done it all, and lived it all so taking into consideration their opinions and experiences is the biggest learning experience for me. I also think that this will help build my professional learning by being able to learn from teachers who are in a completely different demographic than myself. I teach at a title 1 school and we have low scores on everything. I love learning about things teachers are doing at private schools. I've found that when I use some of those tools, my test scores rise because I'm doing things more in depth and that is something I wouldn't be able to learn more about without these kinds of groups. 

I agree with you in that it is interesting to see how groups are formed and what is discussed in them. Outside of the teachers in my school, I do tend to feel silhoed in information exchange. Like you mentioned, this is a way to connect with teachers across the district without having to attend a conference. 

What are the benefits of eMedia groups? How will they help you build your professional learning network (PLN)?

I see a lot of benefits of eMedia groups and working with other educators in a discussion/collaborative based setting. eMedia is extremely organized by grade, standards, subjects, and interests so teachers can virtually be supported within any area they are seeking help. I am used to the advice of "ask your teammates and administration for support" and eMedia allows teachers to discuss specific topics with other teachers outside of the school, and even district. With teachers who are unfamiliar with a certain topic, they can search for lessons, seek advice from other educators on the subject, and also have access to other resources for free from eMedia. This is also beneficial for teachers who feel they are strong in areas, because it allows them to share successful lessons, ideas, and advice with other educators around the state.

In regards to building my professional learning network, having eMedia groups allows professional learning to be accessible within a click of a button for all educators, no matter what setting they are in. It also allows quick use and guidance of the Utah State Standards for each course, making sure lessons are aligned within the courses. The groups allow teachers to discuss ideas of what went well in lesson plans, and how they can improve and reflect upon the lessons that they taught as well.

         There are many benefits to an eMedia group.  The ability to talk to other teachers teaching the same standards that I am teaching makes the group very relevant.  The knowledge and advice coming from active teachers can be amazing.  I like to use resources from other teachers because the resource has already been proven in the classroom.  Through interacting with the group I will get to know some of the teachers and naturally, they will be part of my professional learning network.  I will know who I can ask for help and advice. 

I agree that the collaboration created with eMedia groups is so valuable.  When we are learning from our peers, we gain vital insights and resources.  

I think there are many benefits to joining an eMedia group.  When we are members of a group we can have effective collaboration with our peers that are focused on similar thoughts and goals.  We can share resouces within the group that are applicable to our subjects.  We can participate in discussions that allow us to learn from each other.  When we can evaluate information with confidence and validity it helps to create positive learning experiences for our students.

Using groups will help me build my PLN.  I will collaborate with a variety of professionals.  I can receive feedback on resources, lessons, discussion prompts, etc.  There are a variety of groups that are already created that can relate to my needs.  I also like the idea of creating groups when needed.  I find this to be beneficial.  For example, I think it would be beneficial to create an AP US History group for our school district.  I like the collaboration aspect this will create with fellow educators in my district.  

By joining eMedia groups will help teachers to connect with all the other teachers in the whole state who are teaching the same subjects or who have the same interests on certain topics. By connecting with other teachers in the state, teachers can share the most recent industry information in the field, what training or conference is coming, share teaching materials, and ideas.  

Joining eMedia groups will help me to build my own professional learning work. In the groups, teachers can share resources, providing and receiving feedbacks, which is very important for teachers' development. 

Having eMedia groups widens your network. I think that's good. It's easy to get insular with your school. This is a good way to get perspectives from other teachers. And to connect with other teachers who may have similar needs at their school. It is nice to get outside of the box and see what else is out there for resources. I also like that you can discuss resources and ask questions about intent, and change the resources to better fit the needs of your school and students. The organization and search functions are nice as well. It's always good when you don't have to spend tons of time searching for resources. I also think it's a resource that will only continue to grow and get better. As more people learn of it and contribute, the network and available resources will expand and make finding what you need that much easier.

I am excited to use eMedia groups and interact with other educators around the state. I have been looking for a resource like this. I think it is great to be able to collaborate with other educators for a variety of reasons. It will be especially useful to me, being a special education teacher. Our positions and needs are so diverisfied and specific to our particular students, that it is hard to find other educators to collaborate, share, and support each other.  This support will enable me to build my PLN network and get access to many additional resources to enhance my teaching and support of my students. I especially like that it is open to eductors in our state and resources that are aligned to our Common Core State Standards. I am looking forward to participating in this resource. 

What are the benefits of eMedia groups? How will they help you build your professional learning network (PLN)?

I totally agree that  there are some  benefits for the eMedia Groups as I navigate for them.  As I was looking for a group to join, I found the Utah bridge 2nd grade  group  but only one person was a member only , so I decided to keep  looking.  Then I found a Spanish  group  for  teacher and student that does not even have a lot of members , only 7, they  provide  51 resources. This is  one of the group benefits in my opinion, the  diversity of the resources.

 As I looked further, I found a great  video series that I felt that I can share with my students' parents because the resource is reviewed and it is safe. Also  I found a  great  book in Spanish resource that I will definitely use  in my class. 

i think its exciting when groups are formed to support other languages and I think the groups are a great way to cover topics and communities that may not have as many resources. 

I think eMedia is a great way to conslidate the necessary resources an educator needs to implement in their classroom. Having the groups in one place that's easily accessibly also helps with sharing information with other educators and learning about their best practices. I often learn more from what other educators post than the lesson plans themselves, particularly when an educator reviews a lesson plan or adapts the lesson plan to suit their classroom.