I love to learn (probably why I became a teacher)! I loved school as a kid. I wanted to read and learn as much as I possibly could. I did not like the time it took to do homework or a project, but I was always interested and enjoyed learning. As an adult, I still love to learn again not always fond of the time that it takes. Using technology to create personal learning networks has multiple perks including allowing for a plethora of information all in a convenient device.
I have been frustrated with professional development over the years because it always seems to be geared toward other areas. Usually once a year I have great professional development for physics where I go to an AP Physics workshop and the rest of the year is general. There is additionally some great professional development in St. Louis for physics teachers, but it is usually on Saturdays. Trying to add something else into my week is not easy so it rarely happens that I am able to go to the Saturday physics workshop. A handful ideas from the general professional development may be useful in my classroom, but it always seemed limited. Yes, I look for resources online and used a discussion board occasionally, but that has been about it. There are so many more tools I could learn so much about teaching and teaching in my particular area once I create a personal learning network. This year I am teaching a new physics course and I could get so many ideas if I reach out to other educators and tell them the ideas that I have as well. It is amazing to think that here this whole time I have had this wonderful tool that I could have been using to connect with other teachers and have been using it on a limited basis. Additionally, I can learn anytime or anywhere. I can connect with my learning network while sitting at my son’s swim practice or while I am working out on the elliptical. It is amazing how much we can now just do on our cell phones and I can use it to squeeze in learning at free moments throughout the day.
Additionally, I need to give my students the tools to learn just like I am gaining tools to learn. I can teach my students how to network so that they can learn whatever they are wanting or needing to learn as well. “We need, first to take charge of our own learning, and next, help others take charge of their own learning” (as cited in Richardson, Mancabelli 2011, Kindle Edition).
Students are now taking on themselves to learn from the internet, they often don’t realize they are learning. The text discussed that however at school we tell them what to learn and how to learn it. We often don’t let them just use the tools on the web to learn what they desire to learn. Kids can use the net to learn how to play an instrument or how to build something, pretty much whatever they desire. We need to teach them to use those same tools can be used in multiple areas.
As I was reading I didn’t realize that there are already tools that I am using to learn and I don’t think about it that way. I often use Facebook to read articles about various things. I have used Pinterest to get suggestions from other parents. I could use both of these sites to give me ideas about teaching and learn from others at these locations. One advantage to following others is that they have deciphered through various articles and post what they think is best. There is so much to read on the internet that this allows the information you received to be narrowed down.
Richardson, W., & Mancabelli, R. (2011). Personal learning networks: Using the power of connections to transform education. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteRe: “We need, first to take charge of our own learning, and next, help others take charge of their own learning” (as cited in Richardson, Mancabelli 2011, Kindle Edition).
This statement really resonated with me. Essentially, it is at the heart of this new era in education. I think this is where the real struggle comes, too. This type of thinking is such a departure from what most educators are used to themselves, myself included. We need to take the initiative to make this change. We can’t wait to be told what to do. Learning has become more and more personalized.
The balance has changed; teachers are now required to be more of a facilitator than an instructor. You said, “The text discussed that however at school we tell them what to learn and how to learn it. We often don’t let them just use the tools on the web to learn what they desire to learn.” I believe this statement to be true due to the fact that we, ourselves, don’t understand this method of learning. That’s where PLN’s come into play, and we must take charge of our own learning. Before we can equip our students with the knowledge and ability to do so, we must be able to do it ourselves.
This reading has been a real eye-opener for me. Frankly, I found some of it frightening. Mostly due to the fact that it is so different from what I’m used to, and change can be hard. However, while I’ve always embraced changed, the scariest step is the first one. I have found comfort in the concept of a PLN in aiding me in my new learning venture. So much has changed during the first half of my teaching career, it will interesting and exciting to see what happens in the second half. I look forward to learning and sharing with you!
RE: "I can learn anytime or anywhere. I can connect with my learning network while sitting at my son’s swim practice or while I am working out on the elliptical."
ReplyDeleteYes! I travel a great deal. I can access my PLN on my phone. I can also bookmark resources that I want to take a closer look at using Diigo or Pocket. My travel time is now learning time which saves me time in the long run.
RE: "I’ve always embraced changed, the scariest step is the first one. I have found comfort in the concept of a PLN in aiding me in my new learning venture."
Yes, jump right in! Ask yourself, "What is the worst that could happen?" Then ask yourself, "What is the best that could happen?" You will quickly see that the benefits outweigh the risks.
I found comfort in my PLN as well. It is nice to know that others share your struggles and think the same way you do. It is equally as wonderful to be exposed to those whose opinions and approaches differ from yours. It might make you uncomfortable, but learning happens outside your comfort zone. Get comfortable being uncomfortable and you will learn more.
Happy learning!
Dr. Dell