Eclectic Technology

The first of a two part series on professional education learning communities. It looks at "Connecting and Collaborating...In and Out of the Classroom."
The post begins with a number of definitions of learning communities, how this concept is addressed in the new Common Core, and how learning communities benefit educators (and students).
A ten step approach is also discussed, beginning with "developing awareness" and finishing with "thinking like a living museum...and." For more information click through to the post.

In an effort to keep all teachers pursuing the best possible ways to integrate education and technology, we thought it might be good to take another look at ways teachers can be hip. By ‘hip’ I simply mean that a teacher is aware of trends and actively engaging to stay on top of what his or her students need. From cutting-edge education technology to simply being aware of new Apple products, it’s important for teachers to be hip.

Check out this periodic table that looks at Communities of Practice, Connectivism and Personal Learning Networks. The author, Gretal Patch, also provides links to references she used to create this table. An interesting view at how social media and social networks interact with our professional lives.

On Oct. 6th I posted the first of this two part series that looks at Professional Education Learning Communities. In this post Gorman moves us to take steps in developing our PLC (personal learning community). What do you do?

Begin with Step 1 (quoting below):

* Start gathering resources...explore communities...find out what is out there!

How do we begin this step? Gorman suggests Twitter, and then goes on to describe what Twitter is (or is not) as well as sharing the first steps for those new to Twitter as well as a wide variety of resources. Let's move on to Step 2 (also quoted below):

* Explore the educational blogosphere

In the past many teachers relied on written materials, such as newsletters, magazines, papers, etc. to provide them with updated information...but today we have the Internet....which gives us blogs. Available 24/7 you can find blogs geared to specific interests (and who knows...perhaps you will begin one). Gorman shares how to search for a blog, locations of lists of award winning blogs, links to blogs he follows and much more to start you on this step of your journey. Onto Step 3:

* Discover professional on-line learing communities

Looking for communities that discuss "strategies essential to the common core" take the time to read this step where he provides links to ten resources that explore the Common Core from a variety of positions.

Step 4 is to conect to students PLN's and Step 5 shares how to discover virtual learning opportunities. Take the time to click through and expand you PLC options!

A LiveBinder that will help you grow you PLN (as in Personal Learning Network). Quoting from the site: "This crowdsourced resource is meant to help those who are just beginning to start their journey as a "connected educator." It is not exhaustive. In fact, if all goes to plan, it will be a perpetual work in progress - just like the PLNs it will hopefully help build."