The Power of Words (and video)

Thanks for a great class!

I've learned a great deal, have more resources to choose from but more importantly, am motivated and inspired to REALLY incorporate technology in my area. Although, I knew I could work with technology, I didn't feel I had the creative eye to create something that didn't look shabby. I'll be working on my website now.. thanks to the WIX.com site you exposed us to. And I really appreciate your offer of contacting you via email for post class questions.. (Will I be invoiced for that??) Good luck in all your endeavours! See you around!

So much to learn

We have almost completed our class on Technology. Yesterday there was so much to take in. I hope to have some time to just sit and look at all that is being offered. I really like the idea of having a website for our grade level. It would be nice for the parents to read notes from school or the teachers at home or even at work if they had access to internet at their convenience. We all know that notes sometimes or most of the time do not reach home. This could be another way to assure notes get to the parents.

communication through technology

within the past couple of decades, communication has improved tremendously through technology; from riding on a horse to deliver a telegram to instant messaging on our smart phones. technology has made it easier to communicate to family, friends, colleagues, and parents of my students.

a problem i would like to solve is not necessarily with technology but the buy-in of my school to take advantage of what technology was provided us and go green/paperless completely. this would make communication within our school more efficient and save our planet at the same time.

Organization

I used to run a small business, and I have to say that I "sucked" at organization, especially come tax time. My receipts were all over the place from small ticket items to big ticket items. In fact, I'm being audited for tax year 2008 and I can't find my old receipts! I think I must have thrown some away. What I want from technology is to help me organize my receipts in a very simple way without me having to do all the work. I saw a commercial on t.v. called the neat desk (I think that's what it was called) and all I would simply do is place the receipt on a scanner like device and the device inputs all receipts, documents, notes, etc... and organizes everything in the computer. You don't really have to do any work! The other option I thought of was excel. I wanted to be proficient in Microsoft office especially excel, as it is a powerful tool used by many businesses, but of course, time, money, and dedication is the only way to really learn the program. A friend of mine bought the package of learning excel for, in those days, over $300. It was one of tutorials where you watch on tv and you learn it with your computer. You can pause, stop and play at your convenient. For me, I found it really boring. I prefer a class setting where there is interaction with the person teaching.
I think there are so many technology and software available for free or for a fee that I have gotten burnt out by alot of them.

a magical thing

    Computer technology is magical. It has enhanced my lifestyle in many ways. Ways like, how to grow plants, to know whats the best laptop, boats for sale, meeting new people, talking with them through video, leaving messages 24/7, and the list goes on. Doing all of this in the confine of your bedroom...like magic..yes? Of course! Without stepping outdoors I can bring it indoors...through a flat screen. Or, allow others to view my opinions in a matter of minutes..and get their reponse that very minute..via video conferencing. SO MAGICAL!!! Are you getting my drift? Adios.

Learning more on Technology

I have been using my pc for years but only basics. I use it for typing letters, memos, newsletters, etc. I have also used excel and tables with the help of my friends. I would like to be able to do it on my own. I want to do more on tables and graphs because that will help me with my reports and data collecting in class. I am a Yahoo and Microsoft Word user. Using something new - Google - is like starting over again for me. I am also learning something each day in class. It all looks and sounds very interesting. I hope we will be able to see more than one computer in each classroom soon. Can't wait to learn more.

Teaching & Technology

I definitely will have to work twice as hard without the technology resources as a classroom teacher. Each day I'm so grateful for technology and learning to be tech savvy because I constant rely on online ideas for lesson plans etc... I believe with the lack of funds GDOE has to offer on curriculum, sometimes no updated textbooks for student use. It explains why we continue to have many more other problems that arise within our system. Learning how to be more effective as a classroom teacher and being able to learn more technology can enhance effective teaching techniques. Technology also improves student test scores and comprehension.

Taking this class allows me to access and learn more especially on the five modules taught in Gateway to Technology. Here's hoping the GDOE system will strive to make technology a high priority for everyone to explore.

Wow! Just recently this past school year, I had a great experience and example with teaching & technology while using the website: http://www.ixl.com/ for my students learning math and allowing parents to be involved to part take to monitor their child's progress. This process allowed me to communicate more with my parents to assist me in the learning process of their child. The constant preparation and monitoring allowed me to guide and assist students to prepare for a pre & post test.

Thanks to Gateway to Technology for teaching me how to simplify my teaching career. I'm excited to learn more tricks for the trade.

Flashback

The record player, tape recorder, walk man, disc man, boom box, pager, walkie talkie, phone booth, rotary phone, not so smart phones, type writers, overhead projectors, desktop computers, etc...do you remember some of these devices? Do you remember asking yourself, "how can technology get any better than this?" Well it has and will continue to evolve every day that goes by. We can either sit back in amazement or educate ourselves and move forward with it!

I personally thank God for Smart phones and the World Wide Web. Communication between family and friends, both near and far, has never been so easy! From free long-distance video calls through Skype to free text messaging through Whatsapp (yeah...I like free stuff), I'm pretty confident most of you would agree with me if I say today's technology is actually pretty cool.

On a more professional note, through the use of my Smart phone, I can access my email at any given time, type up my homework for Gateway to Technology class, communicate with parents, collaborate with teachers, research, find resources, create important documents, play games, listen to music, read the bible, and go on facebook...(I can be professional on facebook =P)

So how has technology (Smart phones and internet) solved my problems? I no longer have to always wait until I'm at home, in front of my laptop to accomplish what needs to be done.

It's strange to think that in the past years we were able to function without cell phones, Smart phones, and the internet. Now it's hard to imagine life without it. =) Shall I dare ask the question, "How can technology get any better than this?"?

Don't know what I'd do without Technology

I use technology as a visual map of my brain in many ways. When I'm feeling overwhelmed with projects, dilemmas, etc., I dialogue with myself using Microsoft Word. Somehow it works! When my finances get out of hand, I use Microsoft Excel Worksheets. For music therapy, I log onto my Pandora account. When I'm feeling nosy, I log onto my Facebook account. When I'm not getting anything done, I log onto my 43things.com account - a sort of TODO/Goal setting site. Technology has become so important to my well-being, I'm not sure I can function without it.

My relationship with technology carries on to my work projects. I use it to communicate, organize, plan, maintain notes, accessorize and much, much more. The Internet, for one, allows me to expand my knowledge base and elevates my output. To identify a single problem I have solved using technology is tough. It has become a natural part of my problem solving process.

Ideas?

If there is one goal I would like to achieve in my classroom, it would have to be... student involved with technology both inside and outside of the classroom. Although most schools lack the tools to meet every teacher's dream.... COMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOM, there is one thing that peaks my interest and i hope to experiment with. I would really like to create a webpage of some sort to have parents and students check-in whenever they want. Parents can have a certain code to view their child's grades or get a copy of any assignments their child may have missed. Students can safely interact with eachother or get their assignments/worksheets online and possibly send them online. The webpage can display class photos, students' artwork, student of the month, and any other achievements. I would like a webpage that requires parents and students to log in so that it is kept private and secure. However, I wonder if there is such a thing where their log in codes expire at the end of the school year that way i don't need to create so much webpages and what not. I'm not sure how to go about this. So if anyone has any websites that allow me to create a safe student/parent-friendly environment and is FREE, please feel free to drop a link. Another thing, anyone know of user-friendly (i mean... REALLY EASY to understand and manage AND FREE) grading system/portfolio online that i can use for my class? This is all new to me, and i'd like to learn more about it.

Thank God for Google Docs

1. A lot more trees will be safer this year now that all of us at my grade level now that we know how to use Google Docs.
2. I will now just use one computer at a time. Some days I use three at a time (second hand laptops which are slow, slower, slowest.) Google Docs will tether my digital needs in one place.
3. I plan to use Text to Voice and Sketch Up in my class. My only problem is getting a multimedia projector for classroom use. My school has one, but I think this year it will be in much demand. I understand there is a cord I can purchase for less than $20 at Micropac to connect my laptop to a TV screen. Voila! A multimedia projection.



I used Engrade, a web-based grading system, last year. I was surprised how many parents were engaged in the process - checking grades, emailing questions, etc. Computers are great for busy teachers- some years I'd trained my students to type in their attendance, and also type in their grade after a test. If Powerschool is down or not available, I think these can be done through Google Docs.
Question for Mr. Petra: Do you use Google Analytics? Check out EZanalyze. Great teacher tool to find out if your instruction is effective. (I was going to upload a video of training I did on analyzing pre and post tests using EZ analyze, but the file is in my other laptop. See what I mean?)

UOG Moodle

Last year was my first experience with using the UOG Moodle program.

I was hesitant to use the program. I thought that there was absolutely no way "learning" could happen without being in an actual classroom enviroment interacting with my professor and my classmates. But of course, I was absolutely wrong about that!

Of course, with all the demands of school and "home" life, it was really a relief that I could log on from home at any time to complete assignments. Many times I would log on really late in the evening after I was done juggling my daily school and personal issues.

Being surrounded with all the comforts from home , I felt that I was motivated to do so well. I felt less intimated replying to posts without having to worry about seeing immediate reactions of classmates. I was totally surprised that I actually actively joined in many "
online debates" . I know I would've never been "brave" enough to do that in class "face to face". But, of course when we did meet in class it was interesting that I was actually confident enough to defend my views of certain issues.

Of course, with gas prices on the rise , it was a relief I did not have to drive from Santa Rita to Mangilao each day just for class.

Technology and Me

I've always feared using the computer... I don't know why! Although I'm not savvy, I've learned some. I just want to be able to feel comfortable at doing so.

Technology has recently opened many doors in my life. I've been able to communicate with others, search the web, make payments and do work to assist me in my classroom.

Today's lesson has provided me with ideas and ways to help me with my profession. I just hope to remember all that I've learned and put them to good use. I know with more practice, I'll be able to gain more confidence.

Keeping in Touch through Technology

Recently, we had our first family grand reunion in the Philippines. It was last June 12, 2011, but the planning started since a year a go. It was a challenge to keep every members of the family informed about any updates of our said reunion due to some members of the family are residing in various parts of the world such as Hong Kong, Italy, Dubai, Guam, parts of the mainland USA as well as various areas in the Philippines. We owe the success of our first family reunion to the Facebook. With the help of such technology, we were able to plan the event and kept connected with our families all over the world. Even up to now, we still use the social network to check on each other which we seldom do before due to communication challenges because of the high cost of phone calls, long wait for mails to come in the mailbox to name some of the challenges we had.

I hoped though that I knew much of the google docs at that time which I could had used to update our family listing/family tree without going to the hassle of emailing everyone and asking them to update their list. We could had work with the listing together as how we did the M&M Activity in class today.

Thank you technology for keeping me connected to my family.

Technology solution #96

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeSometimes we don't realize we have a problem until we see the solution.  I've found this is normally the case with technology, only we don't call it a solution.  We call it a resource. 


One resource I've come across lately is a free web application called About.me.  About.me is like a virtual business card that you share with others electronically.  The set up is so simple it's brilliant.  You enter your name and the contact information that you want to include.  Add one of their backgrounds or choose a photo of your own.  The end result is a clean looking page with the links to what you want to share.  

The problem I've had was that I have a variety of things available on the Web and I wanted to communicate specific information to different people.  With About.me I was able to customize my contact information and summarize it for my different purposes.  I have a personal one and one for my website.  About.me also lets you keep track of how many times your page is visited and who is viewing it.  This is particularly helpful if you're trying to promote yourself.  Ironically, I just had a couple of paper business cards made.  This virtual form will last longer and stick with people more easily.  Wish I thought of this.

Super-Tech... to the rescue!!

Technology has posed as a 'Superhero' for many things in my personal and professional life. When times get tough and I feel I have no one to unwind to or sometimes telling someone just isn't enough, I turn to writing to express myself. I'm sure many will agree with me when I say that typing IS MUCH faster than writing (not to mention the stress on your hand isn't as bad!)

I have to say Technology has definitely made life during high school, college and NOW my profession, VERY easy! From typing out letters/notifications/newsletters, lesson planning, gathering resources, creating worksheets, computing data, or simply getting ideas, I'd have to say, Technology is pretty Awesome! Luckily for me, during high school and college I loved to explore the different programs and the World Wide Web, doing so has made me quite proficient with technology and creating more easily what I envision a document to be!

Something I'd like to challenge myself with this year (crossing my fingers for before the school year, yikes!) would be to create my very own class webpage! I feel it will be yet another way to communicate with my parents and update them, as well as a new skill I can add into my bag of tricks!!

With all that said, Technology you are definitely the OMEGA, the Superhero of Superhero's, My Hero!

.... BUT when technical difficulties occur with internal technology components, then that's a different story!

Later.

Past Problem with Technology you'd like to solve

One of the problems that's I've faced is creating a webpage for my class. I teach 5th grade and would like my students and their parents to have a class website to use as reference for assignments and post or publish student work. Also, what is GDOE's policy on publishing students pictures and work. Is there a waiver or permission form that is given to schools for students to participate?

Technology has helped me

One of the problems I have had before that technology has helped me with is keeping in contact with people..Technology (social networking/emails) has helped keep me in touch with many friends, family, and students all over the world as well as people on-island..It helps me relay messages to certain people as well as spread out news fast to a large group of people with less hassle..

Communication 4.0

Image via WikipediaI've recently joined Google's new social network Google+, and so far it seems to have distinguished itself from its competitors.  Whether you choose Facebook, Twitter, or some other service, the ability to find and share ideas with others is a blessing you shouldn't overlook.

I've mentioned before that Web 2.0 signifies a time when the Internet changed from being a one-way deliverer of information to a two-way exchange of ideas, creations, and services.  Web 3.0 can describe the refinement of the internet into a more personalized experience; for instance, suggestions being offered to you based on your previous browsing history.  Google+ is a social network tailored to give you greater control over who and what you share with others.  Instead of sharing posts or photos publicly or to a set of followers, Google+ allows you to place your social contacts into different circles of specific interests.  For example, you may have a circle for your family and one for teachers; each could have their own content tailored to what you want.

An interesting thing happened as I was following a post in one of my edtech circles.  A person was sharing an article that warned of this narrowing or personalization of communication.  The argument was that our social networks should expand our views rather than limit us to like-minded people.  And then, after several comments on the article were exchanged, Paula posted her view - in Portuguese.  None of us knew what she was saying so I shared an online application called Google Translate with the others.  We were then able to transfer her text from Portuguese to English and continue the conversation with her.  Google Translate has its limitations, but I was able to send messages in Portuguese to Paula and she was able to understand what I meant.  Truly amazing to think that I can communicate with someone in Brazil in her own tongue.


So as the Web continues to develop, keep in mind the next generation of communication that is on its way.  Communication 4.0 will be when we can socialize with the World in any language.  We won't have to limit ourselves to a particular circle, country, or language.  I don't know if that's edutopia, but it sounds pretty good.

Related articles

• A New Look for Google Translate (mt-soft.com.ar)
• 101 Brilliant Bloggers Talk About Google+ (blogworld.com)
• What will Web 3.0 be like? (basekit.com)

My Inspiration

My family is my inspiration.  Their wonderful support made me where I am today.  It wasn't easy going to college and raising three children at the same time. But I did with all their love and support. There were times when I wanted to give up, but that wasn't an option. It took me six years to finish college. I'm proud to say I did it. Currently my two sons graduated from college and now my daughter is in her third year at UOG.  My husband and I are very proud of their accomplishments.  My family was their for me and now I'm here for them.

Fraxedes Crispin--Supervisor---P.I.

Miss Fraxedes Crispin was my supervisor when I first taught in the Philippines . She was very strict in everything she expected every teacher to do in the classroom,such as updated and detailed lesson plans,classrroom management and atmosphere ,students on task teachers
being punctual students performance in both district and national tests. She observed teachers as often as needed. Ilearned a lot from her because I listened to her advices with regards to my profession . She truly had done a huge impact in my life.

BECAUSE OF YOU

Ruth Flurry is a great person that will always have a special place in my heart.She was my foster mother who supported me to fulfill one of my dreams to become a successful teacher.I was only three years old when my father past away.My mother was left with three children to take good care for and that was so hard for her during that time.She did to be the best mom and dad to us but was not that great.God Blessings when I was five years old the Foster Home Program got me and was introduced to this lady from California.Thousand miles away from the Phils. a lot of assistance were granted.To make my story short this so called foster mother of mine supported me not just financially but gave all the kindness and love a real mothers will give their children.She was my inspiration and my mentor because she was an educator too..I will never forget her and may her soul rest in peace.
     

My Inspiration

My three younger brothers ..... I want them to have a bright future... and it has to start from me! So I have to study hard, finish my study, get a degree, get a job and earn money. To make the story short, My brothers finished college and one of them is a teacher like me.

my inspiration

The person who had the most impact in my life is my mom.  As the bread winner of her family, she carried a lot of responsibilities.  So as the eldest of 3 children, she instilled in me a higher expectation in my education and goals in life.  She always cheered for my success and encouraged me to try harder when I failed. 

A Person Who made me Who I am now

I'm so thankful to have my mom. She never gave up...

My Inspiration

I was in high school when I was assigned in a literature class of Miss Jhocson.
She was known as a terror teacher. I got a little scared. But as days passed by, I
came to know her well. I discovered that Miss Jhocson was caring, friendly, under-
standing, and oh, loved music as I did. She taught me to sing and dance on week-
ends.

MY CHILDREN

My children tried to get me many times to get my hands on a computer, but I kept putting it
off. Now I regret it big time. Well it's never too late, right? I just need to be patient.

my mother

My mother is the most important person because she taught me proper behavior in my privateand public life .

THANKS!

The person that had a profound impact in my educational career chall remain nameless. This person inspired me to push myself to the limits. I thank her for her endless words of inspiration. There were times in my career where I thought the seemingly endless balloon of stress would just explode. When those times came, she would just say a few words of inspiration--most of the time she doesn't know it--and everything would be ok. I must say, if it weren't for her, I probably would have fallen apart and changed my career already. Thank you person who will remain nameless for the rest of my educational career. Thank you for walking with me up those mountains.

My Inspirational Teacher - Mr. Steve Protasio

   People have a way of coming into your life.  Some are introduced by friends and family, some by work, and others, well, who knows?  The people I meet are a blessing in disguise, for I find that whomever I meet, they seem to always have some strong impact one way or another.  One person in particular was Mr. Steve Protasio.  He was my English 11 and 12 grade teacher at John F. Kennedy High School.  He made a commitment to understand all his students.  He never judged us by our covers but rather read into us.  He would always know when things were amiss and took time to listen to us after class rant and rave about peer pressure, home life, school life, and even personal relationships.
   As a student, I was rebellious but smart throughout my middle school and most of my high school years.  I would skip class, jump gates, or get into fights, but was never caught or retained in school.  I did not know that my actions would lead me down the wrong path in life.  It was my way and no other way.  That was until I entered my junior year and met Mr. Protasio.  He made learning an art. He made it fun.  And he made the subject make sense.  I always looked forward to his class everyday and would dread when it ended.  Mr. Protasio had high expectation of his students and I wasn't aware that one day I would be his highest. 
   One school day during my senior year, my class had an assignment to write to ten universities in the mainland.  We had to get ten copies of our school transcript and fill out college applications.  We had to also write an introduction letter about why we wanted to attend college.  This assignment had me thinking.  Did I even want to go to college?  What good would it do?  What if  I don't get accepted, then what?  I shared these thoughts with the class and was given the best advice ever.  Mr. Protasio said, "You will never know the outcome of a situation unless you try.  And if these colleges don't accept you, then they are the dumb ones."  I thought for a moment that he was being sarcastic and we all stared at him waiting for the punch line, but it never came.  He was dead serious.  At that moment, I saw myself through his eyes.  I saw myself living a life without trouble.  At this point, I decided to put my everything into my assignments and my heart into school.  It was a traumatic change.  People in school starting noticing and I was making friends with people who I used to tease and terrorize. 
   The end of senior year was fast approaching and Mr. Protasio made an announcement that he had some items to give back to us.  He reached behind his desk for a huge box.  As he opened it, he shared that what he was about to pass back to us were the responses of the college applications we sent.  Not all responded but we at least got an idea what it was like to go through the application process.  As he passed out the large packets, I kept thinking what if I decided to pursue my education further.  The moment of truth came when Mr. Protasio handed 9 packets back to me.  I opened all the packets and read each of its contents.  University of Arizona, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Florida State, and Portland State University accepted me to their colleges.  I was flabbergasted that an young girl from small island would have a chance to attend some big college out there in the mainland.  Then, Mr. Protasio asked us to settle back into our seats because he was excited to share some news with us.  I thought there couldn't be anything as exciting as this.  He held in his hand a packet that was labeled, Who's Who Among American High School Students.  Mr. Protasio shared that he had a friend, who was an English professor at University of Hawaii-Manoa, and sent a few of our essays to him. His friend then went on to share one essay in particular with his colleagues and one of those colleagues suggested submitting the essay into Who's Who.  We were all excited for the one student who had their essay shared with so many people.  I didn't think it was me, no way, there were by far better writers in the class than myself.  The class asked if Mr. Protasio would read the essay and he said that he would if everyone gave their consent to share it.  We all said, "Yes!"  He started with the first few lines and my heart stopped.  I couldn't believe the words coming out of his mouth.  Those words were my thoughts about my life.  My struggles of life: being abandoned by my father when I was a newborn, the age of nine with an alcoholic parent,  and then living with grandparents who guided me with loving yet firm hands. 
   Mr. Protasio finished reading my five-page essay and I took my first breathe.  I looked around the room and saw some people with tears in their eyes, the boys were shaking their head thinking that one of their friends probably needed them right now.  Then Mr. Protasio looked at me and said, "Venessa, you are a strong person to go through this life at such a young age. You are truly an amazing writer and a disciplined student.  No one knew your life before now and I would like to congratulate you in making it out of that life.  Never doubt yourself and just know that whatever you set your mind to - it can be accomplished."
   I took those words with me forever and set my life into action.  I graduated top ten in my high school class, went on to receive my Bachelor's degree in three years, and pursued my Master's degree in two years.  I never thanked Mr. Protasio until I met with him four months ago at a education seminar.  He didn't recognize me until I introduced myself to him.  He asked how life was and I gave him a big smile and shared all of my accomplishments.  I thanked him for making learning fun and for having the confidence in all his students.  He laughed and said, "I really had no idea what I was doing.  I was just hoping for the best."  In my opinion, he is the Best!

Reaching My Dreams

Many individuals and circumstances have significantly made an impact in my life.

First and foremost are my parents. They believe in my ability and determination to achieve my dream to be a teacher, so they worked really hard to send me to school and get my degree. Despite our difficulties in life, my father and mother inspired me to pursue higher education.

Some of my teachers in high school instilled the importance of learning in me. They taught me a lot - knowledge and skills that improve my total being , giving me courage to face the world. My family doesn't in any way belong to the middle class, but I was never afraid to face other people. For as long as I know I'm right, I will stand for what I believe in.

I also finished school because of my determination to uplift the status of our family in the society. I love my family so much that I didn't give up my dreams despite of all the obstacles. I know in the end they would benefit the fruit of my success. I know they did.

impact on my life

The people who have made the most impact in my education would be my parents. I would not have made it to college if weren't for them. They stressed almost everyday how important it was to get a degree.

Mrs. Smith

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeMrs. Smith had such an ordinary name but she was an extraordinary teacher.  She was my teacher in the 5th grade.  I don't recall anything that happened with her teaching but I do remember the relationship she had with my friends and I.  We would often hang out in her room after school, during lunch, or she would give us special jobs to help her out.  When the school year was over she invited us to her cabin and we waded down a river through the woods.  This seems crazy now and extremely inappropriate but it was no big deal then.  A few years later after we had moved on to middle school, we decided to visit her.  I literally walked through a snowstorm and got frostbite on my ears.  So I guess I remember her the most because she showed an interest in her students' lives.  I think that is probably common with most of the people who have an influence on us.  It happens because they show that they care about us in a personal way.  

Do you have a teacher or someone in your past that had an impact on your life?

Gateway To Technology Training has so far given me more in-depth knowledge of the different computer software applications that I believe we have been introduced to before. Somehow, I learn more in just the first 3 days. Kudos to Mr Tom Petra, our trainor. One reason could be that each participant has a working computer infront of them. Thanks to Okkodu High School. Immediate application of the theory is required. Not like some of the staff-developments I have attended before when presentors mostly show and talk; there is no immediate applications of the process being taught. With this training, I'm very positive that I will be learning more .

Now what?

Image by superkimbo via FlickrYou've just received a week's training in educational technology, so now what?  Well, as I've said throughout the week, try to pick a few things to follow up on.  What tools or resources interested you the most, and are they for your classroom or your own professional development?  Let me suggest a path for you to take.


Choose a source of information to follow.
We covered Edmodo, Classroom 2.0, Edutopia, Twitter, and more.  Pick one to follow and start participating in it.  Make sure you aren't just a spectator. 

• Gather ideas and resources and list them in a Google Doc.  
• Add links to your list so you can find where they came from.  
• Keep organized and share your resources with others.
• Set a specific time of the week or day that you can attend to this.

Publish something to the Web, or start preparing to do so.

• Blog, webpage, website, wiki - something!
• Is it for school or is it for you?
• Work on a structure and design that you like.
• Start composing your usual print material: Welcome back to school, newsletter, classroom policies, etc.
• Remember the criteria: audience, direction of communication, number of authors, visibility, features, and cost.

So start with something you are comfortable with and keep on it.  Once you gain familiarity with these tools you'll find yourself looking for more.

Related articles

• Edmodo:The Total Classroom Solution (freetech4teachers.com)
• Professional Development: Why Do It (jackieregales.com)