I love my job for two reasons: the students and the staff. I work with some of the most dedicated, intelligent and caring people I've ever had the pleasure to encounter. We learn together, play together, grouse together and support one another during difficult times. We bounce ideas off of each other, collaborate on technology integration and commiserate about Common Core Standards.
The thirty or so of us certified staff members at my school, in the broad scheme of things, is pretty small, and while I do certainly count them to be the core of my Personal Learning Network, I'm learning that I need to begin incorporating more resources and individuals into my PLN.
Another reason why I need to expand my PLN is the lack of consistent, timely professional development opportunities that exist for my position. I always attend the CECA (Connecticut Educators Computer Association) every October, and I always feel like it's too much information to take in over the course of one eight hour day. The professional development in our district lately has turned into a series of training modules for Common Core implementation and SBAC testing. ACES used to offer consistent technology workshops throughout the school year; either due to funding or interest, those have dropped off as well.
Enter the need to broaden my PLN. Dr. Mark Wagner's article titled, "Personal Learning Networks for Educators: 10 Tips" (2012) asks pointed questions about teachers' Personal Learning Networks: "Who is in your learning network? Who do you learn from on a regular basis? Who do you turn to for your own professional development?" It is becoming more evident that I need to be able to access reliable, up-to-date collaboration in real-time. I need to be able to throw a question out there and see who responds. I need to be able to offer my opinions and suggestions based on my authentic experiences as a technology teacher in order to grow.
As a result of this course and Wagner's article, I've expanded my PLN to include my cohort members, a Twitter feed that is working (!), a new Pin on Pinterest that doesn't have to do with chickens or gardening or honeybees and a membership to Classroom 2.0.
The best part? I get to play AND I'm more excited about my work than ever.
Click here for Dr. Wagner's article
The thirty or so of us certified staff members at my school, in the broad scheme of things, is pretty small, and while I do certainly count them to be the core of my Personal Learning Network, I'm learning that I need to begin incorporating more resources and individuals into my PLN.
Another reason why I need to expand my PLN is the lack of consistent, timely professional development opportunities that exist for my position. I always attend the CECA (Connecticut Educators Computer Association) every October, and I always feel like it's too much information to take in over the course of one eight hour day. The professional development in our district lately has turned into a series of training modules for Common Core implementation and SBAC testing. ACES used to offer consistent technology workshops throughout the school year; either due to funding or interest, those have dropped off as well.
Enter the need to broaden my PLN. Dr. Mark Wagner's article titled, "Personal Learning Networks for Educators: 10 Tips" (2012) asks pointed questions about teachers' Personal Learning Networks: "Who is in your learning network? Who do you learn from on a regular basis? Who do you turn to for your own professional development?" It is becoming more evident that I need to be able to access reliable, up-to-date collaboration in real-time. I need to be able to throw a question out there and see who responds. I need to be able to offer my opinions and suggestions based on my authentic experiences as a technology teacher in order to grow.
As a result of this course and Wagner's article, I've expanded my PLN to include my cohort members, a Twitter feed that is working (!), a new Pin on Pinterest that doesn't have to do with chickens or gardening or honeybees and a membership to Classroom 2.0.
The best part? I get to play AND I'm more excited about my work than ever.
Click here for Dr. Wagner's article