Participate in PLNs
3.5.b: Participate in PLNs
Connected
learners regularly share in the exchanging of ideas on pedagogy, through
professional learning networks (PLNs). Educators learn collectively with other
teachers, who mentor and guide them. Resources are shared and mutual learning
occurs through this collaboration. PLNs also support educator’s mental health
in an extremely stressful profession. Teachers share personal stories and
reflections which create bonds, allowing persons to know that they are not
alone in their experiences or struggles.
One of the most popular PLNs was Edmodo. Edmodo started in 2008 but permanently closed in 2022. At its height, the forum boasted a total of 12 communities with over 6.5 million teachers and students. Functioning PLNs like Classroom 2.0 and The Educator’s PLN are similar examples of professional forums with over 72,000 members altogether. Social media PLNS like #edchat, also have a huge following. Every year, educators join PLNs to improve knowledge of their craft. Trust (2012) proposes that we are purposeful when pursuing a PLN. Know your objective, whether it be to gain assistance on lesson planning, technology integration or staying abreast of global trends. Click the article below for easy reference:
Professional Learning Networks Designed for Teacher Learning
At the Erdiston Teacher’s Training College, students of the Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership 2024-2025, started PLNs through weblogs, as a part of the first two courses (PGDEL 101 and PGDEL 103).
Here are two screenshots of 1) PGDEL 101: Qualities and Skills of Effective Educational Leaders, online blog on emotional intelligence, as a type of PLN for our DEL group. 2) PGDEL 103: Technology Leadership for Educational Leaders, as an ongoing weekly professional learning network, created just for us.
Click Here for PGDEL 101 forum: (scroll to end of page link for PLN)
Click Here for PGDEL 103 forum:
Possible Impact at my school💡
ISTE Standard 3.5.b, Participate in PLNs would have a positive impact at our institution, which caters to a roll of approximately 600 students.
Multiple opportunities for school-based learning communities can be created using
Padlet at school events; movie days, concerts, or sports day, where parents,
stakeholders and community support groups attend. For instance, at a school
event, a laptop and projector can be displayed at a strategic point near the
office. A question can be posed,
e.g. “How can we make our school even better?” Click here to leave a comment on the guest wall.
Ideas can then be projected on the outside wall
facing the carpark, so school supporters entering and exiting the compound can
have visible rapport in real-time. It transforms the wall into an electronic suggestion
box, where positive feedback will assist in the improvement of the school.
Hence, a PLN between teachers and parents is birthed. This renders assistance
with building community bonds. It also opens possibilities for gaining
financial support from corporate entities in the community who can see
progress, as donations can also be pledged on the virtual wall e.g. “Hi, I’m Shakir’s
mum. I’m willing to donate 15 gallons of paint for the upkeep of his classroom.”
Content from the forum can then be saved
and re-presented at P.T.A meetings, as reminders of success on school projects.
At the Class Level💡
To further facilitate this ISTE standard at our institution, Padlet can function at the class level to create a learning network for parents. During class level meetings, while waiting to speak to their child's teacher, parents can type workable solutions methods they use to assist their child at home:
e.g. Reading bedtime stories nightly to develop their vocabulary, language and comprehension skills.
Learning forums at the class level could assist struggling parents who may benefit from the anonymity afforded by Padlet.
Learning forums for Parents with Disabilities💡
A few years ago, a hearing-impaired parent attended my class level meeting, accompanied by a national interpreter. At the time, we happily communicated via an app on her cellphone, along with the interpreters' help. She was determined to learn about her son's academic progress. Now, with the technical skills gained on the DEL program, she can be offered an alternative way of communicating, so she can be further involved in her son's academic community, as he advances through school.
Hi Carol,
ReplyDeleteYour blog highlights the transformative power of Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) and their versatility in fostering collaboration among educators, parents, and the wider school community. I particularly appreciate the creative integration of tools like Padlet, which not only enhance teacher collaboration but also provide avenues for parental involvement and accessibility for diverse needs, such as supporting parents with disabilities. This aligns with the ISTE Connected Learner standard by demonstrating the importance of continuous learning and community engagement to share ideas and practices effectively. Moreover, your emphasis on inclusivity resonates with the Equity and Citizenship Advocate standard, ensuring every stakeholder has an opportunity to participate meaningfully in the learning ecosystem. Your insights offer practical, actionable steps that could inspire schools to adopt more inclusive and collaborative approaches. Excellent work!
Best Regards,
T. Daniels
Your insight into the use of technology to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged in the educational process, particularly when interacting with differently-abled parents, was truly poignant. It immediately brought to mind the Equity and Citizenship Advocate standard within the ISTE Leader Standards.
ReplyDeleteThis standard emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling the use of technology in inclusive and meaningful ways to address challenges and foster stronger community connections. Your approach exemplifies this standard by demonstrating how technology can be leveraged to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all stakeholders.
Carol
ReplyDeleteI love how your real-life examples highlight the power of collaborative learning. By sharing ideas through Padlet, the learners on the Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership were able to pool their knowledge and expertise, making the research process more efficient and enriching. The collective approach not only accelerated knowledge transfer but also fostered deeper insights into the ISTE standards for leaders. This is a perfect example of how collaboration can transform learning, making it more dynamic and impactful.
BIRCH THE EDUCATOR