A PLN describes how you plan to grow professionally as a teacher. It can be used as a network to connect to other educators and to share or find resources. I have found found 5 Professional Organizations and 5 blogs about Technology Integration in the classroom that will help me as I continue in my schooling to become a Special Education Teacher.

Professional Organizations

1. https://www.naset.org/ – This National Association of Special Education Teachers provides support and assistance to special education teachers.
2. https://www.cec.sped.org/ – The Council for Exceptional Children is an association in which educators come together to help children with exceptionalities succeed in the classroom.
3. http://www.nod.org – The National Organization on Disability focuses on increasing employment opportunities for those with disabilities.
4. http://www.ncld.org – The National Center for Learning Disabilities works to transform schools and advocate for equal rights for children with learning disabilities.
5. http://www.tash.org – TASH advocates for inclusion for those with disabilities and special needs. Through research, advocacy and much more, TASH works to advance inclusive communities for those with special needs.

Blogs on Technology Integration

1. http://www.classcraft.com/blog/features/why-do-we-need-technology-integration-in-education/ – This blog discusses why technology integration is important in education as well as how to integrate technology into education and improving learning with technology integration. It also discusses the Four C’s which ensure learner success when focused on.
2. https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description – This blog discusses the framework of technology integration along with defining technology integration and successful technology integration. It discusses that to successfully integrate technology into the classroom, technology should be part of the routine, accessible and should support the curricular goals of the classroom.
3. https://www.teachthought.com/technology/6-technology-integration-ideas-content-area-grade-level/ – This blog discusses 6 different ideas on how to integrate technology into the classroom. It talks about creating online polls, video conferencing with others around the world, creating videos and more!
4. https://www.prodigygame.com/blog/ways-to-use-technology-in-the-classroom/ This blog discusses 25 ideas on how to successfully integrate technology into your classroom. Some of the ideas include virtual field trips, student blogs and an online class calendar.
5. https://www.technokids.com/blog/technology-integration/technology-integration-in-classroom/ – This blog discusses what technology integration is, as well as why it is important. It also breaks down the goals of technology integration. The goals for the students include being able to effectively communicate information using media, being able to solve problems using technology, being able to summarize ideas using media and much more.

Professional Development Workshops

1. Metuchen Technology Symposium: Technology For ALL! – Jeff Bradbury will be the Keynote Speaker at this event in which he will discuss technology in all aspects of the classroom. You will then be able to attend a workshop to help further develop your knowledge of using technology in the classroom. Workshop topics include but are not limited to: Google Suite, Google Classroom, and Podcasting. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/metuchen-technology-symposium-technology-for-all-tickets-90990243267
2. New Jersey Conference for Kindergarten Teachers – Although the topic of this conference is not technology, it would be beneficial to me being that I most likely want to teach Kindergarten through Second Grade. This conference is put on by Staff Development for Educators (SDE). Their organization strives to maximize professional development for teachers and administrators by designing learning experiences to fit with today’s diverse classrooms. https://www.sde.com/events
3. EDUCON 2020 – This is a conference in which educators and staff come together and have discussions about the future of education. One of the topics of discussion is technology and the affects it has on students. http://2020.educon.org