Moving Towards

PLN’s

Presented by Dr. Lisa GonzalesDirector – STEAMSanta Clara COE

Professional Learning Networks( PLN’s )

PLN’s are informal networks that consist of teachers at learners

The intent is to have teachers purposefully connect with others around a specific topic

PLN’s come from “connectivism” research conducted by George Siemens and Stephen Downes

Learners create connections and develop a network that supports their professional development and knowledge

The learning is generally “web” based

Why PLN’s ???

Fits with culture of district I’m supporting

New strategic plan, soon to be completed, highlights teachers and professional development in creative ways

Can be used to expand knowledge of Project Based Learning (PBL)

Can be used as a model for districts this one works with

Reinforces creative use of technology

Teachers have choices for platforms: Twitter, LinkedIn groups, Edmodo, Pinterest, blogs, YouTube, The Teaching Channel

Current Status?

• Strategic plan calls out need to focus on student learning via PBL

• Teachers are accustomed to differentiated professional development

• Staff loves tech but could use structure around its use, which PLN’s provide

• Most teachers are eager, parents are supportive, principals are connected, Board wants to be more on the cutting edge

• Union leadership is pushing this direction

Action Plan Steps

Evidence from Readings/Videos

Alan November’s TED Talk speaks to the use of technology to solve real world problems, which can be identified in the PBL process, the focus on the PLN project

Mitchell Kapor argued that getting info from the Internet is like drinking out of a fire hose – a focused approach of PLN’s will help teachers sift through articles and data

Evidence from Readings/Videos

Rick DuFour’s articles referred to the research on Professional Learning Communities and Professional Learning Networks to expand teacher interactions and meaningfulness of their work

The Horizon Report referred to a 2011 KQED’s Mind/Shift research project, identifying a reliance on PLN’s by 2014/15 – this will get the district ahead of this window

Outcomes of PLN’s Teacher focused

professional development

Individual accountability that works in conjunction with new teacher evaluation system

Focused work on implementation of PBL and advanced research/learning

Technology (in PLN’s) can make the learning easier!