Building a Personal Learning Network
Posted by learnconnect on November 4, 2008
This is the third year that the K12 Online Conference has taken place. These are a series of presentations (video and/or audio) that are posted in a two week period. I have only had a chance to watch a few but have been inspired. As part of the conference there is a 24 hour Elluminate session (like Live Classroom) where people can drop in for conversation about the conference. Each hour has a moderator so there is little blank time. For me, this was a wonderful opportunity to learn from others and to expand my own personal learning network.
What is a personal learning network? It’s the people and places you go to, to expand your knowledge and understanding. For me it starts with my colleagues. There is nothing like face to face. However, when you are in a small school, or the only art teacher, cycle one teacher or whatever, you can not always get your questions answered or bounce ideas off your colleagues. Where do you go next?
I have developed my virtual Personal Learning Network. There are places I go online where I can get answers to my questions about technology, pedagogy and more. I get ideas for projects and develop relationships with my online friends. I also share my expertise with others. You can do this with the people in this group.
Forum
As part of this blog there is a forum. This is a place you can go to share ideas, ask questions and learn from each other. Just click on Forum at the top of the blog. You can respond to a topic by just clicking on the topic name or add a new topic by clicking on New. Expand your Personal Learning Network – share with your colleagues from afar.
As for the K12 Online Conference….
Here are a couple of sessions you may want to share and discuss as a staff Never Too Young for those of you teaching Kindergarten or Cycle 1. We Like our Blogging Buddies by Kathy Cassidy, a grade 1 teacher. Her ideas are great for any age class. Another is Videoconferencing: It’s Easy, Free and Powerful by Brian Crosby. I’ll be recommending others as I watch them. I would love to hear your reactions. Is this a topic we should be adding to the forum?
Susan
