What do you do if your Educational Technology professional network is weak?

2 Leverage online platforms

One of the advantages of working in educational technology is that you can use the same tools and platforms that you create or use for learning to network with others. There are many online communities, forums, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and events that cater to different aspects and niches of educational technology. You can join these platforms to learn from experts, ask questions, share your insights, and connect with like-minded professionals. Some examples of online platforms that you can explore are EdSurge, ISTE, eLearning Industry, EdTech Talk, and Learning Revolution.

3 Be proactive and generous

Networking is not a one-way street. You cannot expect to receive help or advice from others without offering something in return. You need to be proactive and generous in building and maintaining your relationships. This means that you should not only seek information or opportunities, but also provide value and support to others. You can do this by sharing your knowledge, skills, resources, feedback, or referrals. You can also initiate conversations, follow up on contacts, and express appreciation and gratitude. By being proactive and generous, you can establish trust and credibility, and create a positive impression.

4 Seek local and regional opportunities

While online platforms can help you access a global network of educational technology professionals, you should not neglect the local and regional opportunities that might be available to you. You can look for events, workshops, conferences, or meetups that are organized by local universities, schools, libraries, museums, or organizations that are involved in educational technology. You can also reach out to local educators, administrators, researchers, or practitioners who work in your area of interest or expertise. By seeking local and regional opportunities, you can benefit from face-to-face interactions, contextual insights, and potential collaborations.

5 Diversify your network

Another strategy to strengthen your educational technology professional network is to diversify your contacts. This means that you should not limit yourself to people who work in the same role, sector, or domain as you. You should also seek to connect with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, skills, perspectives, and goals. By diversifying your network, you can expose yourself to new ideas, challenges, and opportunities. You can also learn from other disciplines, industries, and cultures that might influence or intersect with educational technology.

6 Keep learning and growing

Finally, the best way to improve your educational technology professional network is to keep learning and growing as a professional. You should constantly update your knowledge, skills, and portfolio in this dynamic and evolving field. You should also seek feedback, reflect on your practice, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. By keeping learning and growing, you can demonstrate your passion, competence, and curiosity. You can also attract and inspire others who share your vision and values.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?