What “makes” a connected educator?

#cenz14 is wrapping up (actually this post is a few days late), and it's time to try describe just what I think being a connected educator is.

Something that I believe in is that 'the knowledge is in the room', the power of social constructivism. It's the idea that singularly I can have some ideas, some struggles, some solutions...but if I pair with another...together we may have more ideas, more struggles and more solutions, and if you harness 'the power of the crowd' the possibilities are endless. How often have you been stumped with something, only to have an answer or an idea come to you in a staffroom, or corridor conversation? Or had an idea you've shared with somebody only to see the idea grow legs, and really take off?

To me a connected educator is one who is brave enough to work with somebody else, to air your troubles and seek advice, to challenge your assumptions/beliefs/values by hanging them out for all to see...somebody who is willing to be a learner, to listen, to discuss and debate, to critique and accept critique...and to hunt for critique. Ultimately, someone who is willing reflect on their practice (or leadership) outside of their own head.

To me it isn't about Twitter, blogging, conferences (un- or otherwise)...these are all the tools of a connected educator, the things that can enable all the above to happen (and to happen to a massive degree...the twitter staffroom is much bigger than my own...), but unless combined with two things they are fairly useless:

1. Action: 'knowledge is just information until acted on'...not sure who said that, but very true. All the great ideas flying through the twittersphere are amazing, but need action by you to become your own knowledge, your PPK (Personal Practical Knowledge).

2. Reflection: Whether using a tool like a blog to reflect, or sharing f2f, reflection on practice with others is essential. Reflection with others allows perspective.

While I am new to the 'online' side of being connected, I have always worked best with others...and the month of #cenz14 may be drawing to a close, but that won't change. The new (and exciting) thing for me is now I can connect with people outside of my school, my town, my region, my country...

If the 'knowledge is in the room'...I now have a fairly large 'room' to draw from, and add to.

Oh, and being able to drink a beer while listening/watching/tweeting has been great...cheers #cenz14!