Embedded Files
Module Overview: In this module participants will explore different approaches to the delivery of professional learning and gain an understanding of the affordances and challenges of the different learning environments. The module begins by looking at how to make the traditional face to face workshop or training more participatory. We will continue with this theme as we explore flipped, blended, and online professional learning. We will learn how a variety of events, communities, and social media tools allow us to expand our Professional Learning Network which provide opportunities for ongoing, self-directed learning. Finally, we will explore some new and exciting low-cost, informal professional learning opportunities. Source: Leading Edge Certification Professional Learning Leader course
Handout for face-to-face activity
When participants have watched the video, they will have some thoughts on what has changed/needs to change in the education system. They will be ready to jump in and have a discussion with others who have also seen the video. Watching the video and answering a couple of questions ahead of time will allow for more time in the F2F session for the discussion.
How this activity increases engagement in the face-to-face session:
Activity: Flipped PD
Terra Graves MY PLN by Terra Graves
Reflection
The P is Personal
First, I'd like to say that I think the "P" in "PLN" should stand for Personal, not Professional. The reason I say this is that a personal learning network implies that the purpose is for personal learning. Professional learning network implies that it only connects you to work-related learning. As teachers, we are in the learning business. If we are not learners in all aspects of our lives, then we are trying to sell a product we do not use. What I have experienced in teaching is that there are two kinds of teachers: Those who are constantly learning themselves, and those who seem to feel like their pre-service education was enough to last a lifetime. As a professional learning specialist, I am still amazed at how many teachers take my classes just to get credit/stipend. They do the bare minimum to complete the work and do not implement their learning once they have finished the class. The benefit that I see to the blended/flipped model is that it forces teachers to DO something as learners. It's not about "doing time" and just sitting in a seat during an inservice class. This model also tends to weed out those who really aren't in it for their own personal growth. We receive such positive feedback from our participants because we "forced" them to apply what they learned in class--they are seeing more student engagement and enjoy their teaching so much more.
Because many of our course participants are also part of our Leaders Network, they continue to learn and grow with each other outside of class. We have a strong community within the district who have a common language through the 21st Century Competencies that are the foundation of our professional learning offerings. We are on the cusp of reaching a critical mass of Practitioners and Leaders who will effect systemic change because of it. PLNs are a source of comfort and support both through "being there" for when you need resources, or for sharing successes. It's amazing to me how connecting with others who share my passions can truly make this world seem smaller. I stay connected to teachers and students from the past and enjoy seeing how their lives are going. I also have immediate access to people I respect. This blows my mind sometimes.
I think educators love the internet more than hackers! We have access to so many resources, both digital and human which can help us to not only create meaningful learning for their students, but also for themselves. There really is no excuse anymore to not know something. I'm reminded of something my grandfather used to tell me when I would ask a question..."Look it up," he would say. Back then, he meant using a dictionary or an encyclopedia. Now, I tell people, "Google it!" I am amazed at people when they email me with a question that the Google machine could have answered for them. Most of what I learn is done through Google searches. Our children do this automatically. Teachers need to be more self-directed and less helpless as learners...even if it seems "scary" to them. Connect with others who do what you do. Take a class. If we are not in the business of learning, it's time for another business.
Activity: Building and Expanding Your PLN
Directions: When participants come to the F2F session, they will have already given some thought to the content of the video and hopefully considered how education needs to change. They will be presented with this page (hard copy) to facilitate a personal survey:
What does your classroom look like? (For each criterion, more 20th or 21st?)
What does your school look like? (For each criterion, more 20th or 21st?)
Following this, there will be a small group discussion to share what they rated themselves and their school.
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