Amplified Administrator Digital Portfolio

                                                                      Amplified Administrator

Digital Portfolio

Through my participation in the first semester of the AWSA / WASDA Amplified Administrator program, I have gained new understandings and skills in several relevant and enriching areas.  In many ways, I have learned of a whole new virtual world out there and, through Brad Sarron's wonderful insight, guidance and encouragement, I have gained greater confidence to "step into the stream."

Image Courtesy of itsawriterthing.tumbir.com

Here is some of the more visible evidence of my learning in this course:

Blogging

I established a professional blog entitled School Leadership Matters.  I like the double meaning of the title.  I also appreciate how it allows me space for my own views on education while also linking to my role as an AWSA Leader, where our mantra has long been "Because Leadership Matters."  This post will mark my ninth one via this blog.  I share my posts via Twitter.  Many are versions of articles I submit to members through our AWSA newsletter.  On several occasions these have been retweeted.  I also have received a few comments to posts on my site.   My blog url is http://joeschroeder23.blogspot.com.

Diigo

I also have established a virtual library via Diigo.  This has helped me see how powerfully information can be gathered via the web.  I need to make sure to build new habits to go to this account more often, though, so that I can better leverage the potential.  My diigo url is https://www.diigo.com/user/joes2326.

Twitter

I first established a Twitter account over a year ago, but then it remained silent.  I took the leap forward with activating this account during our second class meeting in March.  Since then, I have made 24 tweets, am following 101 people and have 100 people following me.  Like so many tools we learned, this one has enormous potential, especially for someone in my role.  As is the case with Diigo, I need to build and deepen emerging habits to go to my Twitter account and use it more often.  

Reflections

Through this course, I certainly have a better understanding of how a PLN can be cultivated, the benefits for one both personally and professionally, and where leverage points exist.  While I have learned a lot, I know that I am still just scratching the surface.  Fortunately, there are many wonderful exemplars among educators across the globe, including some mighty examples here in Wisconsin that I can draw upon for continued growth.  These are individuals I particularly want to focus upon through Twitter and other tools in order to help grow my PLN into a powerful part of my professional and personal world.

Overall, this course has helped me see a whole other world of ideas, conversations, reflections, and inspiration.  By diving in, I am able to better find my own voice and the means to share it.  I also am beginning to see a host of different tools through which I can differentiate my message and connect with folks with myriad interests and foci more effectively.  

If a lot of what and who you become is who you hang around with, the quality of thinkers and doers in my emerging PLN are going to make me a whole lot more of an enlightened educator and leader.  Thank you, Brad!  The journey continues!