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"Connected Teaching and Learning" - how can we encourage a culture where teachers own their own professional learning? Tom Murray shares his insights and how their district is doing just that.

Using Vygotsky's theory of the Zone of Proximal Development and scaffolding, one district moved their Prof. Development plan toward a more differentiated model. Read the article, "Individualized Technology Goals for Teachers" for a detailed explanation of it's evolution and practice. http://goo.gl/BJfZIQ

Using Vygotsky's theory of the Zone of Proximal Development and scaffolding, one district moved their Prof. Development plan toward a more differentiated model. Read the article, "Individualized Technology Goals for Teachers" for a detailed explanation of it's evolution and practice. http://goo.gl/BJfZIQ

Twitter lists according to subject area to subscribe to and follow as part of an effort to encourage the use of Twitter for Prof. Development and link to "10 Ways Teachers Can Use Twitter for PD"

Excellent introduction to the practice of Curation for Professional Learning. Engage in curation by using the steps of aggregation, evaluation, and organization. Use these resources to support all aspects of your teaching practice.

Great district professional development blog/website. Check it out! - updated by Justin Tarte

"As educators, we aim to be connected to advance our craft.  On another level, we hope to teach students to use networks to prepare for them for a changing job market.  But what is the best way to approach PLNs?" This blog post has some great tips for developing your PLN and transforming your own learning.

"Research has shown that teaching quality is the strongest school-related factor that can improve student learning and achievement. In order to cultivate high-quality teaching, support for ongoing professional learning in schools is essential. " Five articles, including a comprehensive bibliography with links to all the studies and reports cited in these pages.  1. How effective leadership supports prof. learning 2. Key components for productive PD programs 3. PLC's 4. Recommendations for evidence-based programs

Teaching quality has been defined as "instruction that enables a wide range of students to learn" (Darling-Hammond, 2012), and it is the strongest school-related factor that can improve student learning and achievement (Hanushek, 2011; Nye, Konstantopoulos, and Hedges, 2004; Rivkin, Hanushek, and Kain, 2005). Knowing this, what is the best way to foster and provide ongoing support for good teaching practices? While every school is unique, research has identified several elements that can almost universally increase the chances for successful teacher development and create a powerful and positive school community.

I like how the site has a set of short videos demonstrating each "teacher move" to support learning using "Accountable I think these would be helpful in training/professional development, as well. The fact that these "moves" were observed in effective classrooms (i.e. research-based) is good to know.

A nice overview and challenge to consider building a PLN - professional/personal learning network. Answers the question, "Why a PLN?" and how to get started. 

Several Twitter users speak to why Twitter is an important tool for them and how it can be for you, as well. Some sharing have been in education for over 30 years, so it's not just for younger teachers. Join in and learn and share your learning with others.

Nice explanation of MOOCs. This is a new wave in online learning and professional development. It emphasizes the power of networked learning, as well.

"I often begin my workshop on personal learning networks (PLN) for educators by asking these questions: Who is in your learning network? Who do you learn from on a regular basis? Who do you turn to for your own professional development?" Read 10 great tips for expanding your PLN

Here is an inspirational image. I'll use this in professional development settings and to encourage my PLN members.

Great to see we're back to encouraging backwards design as we approach the CCSS. I use parts of this myself in technology planning & professional development - "Begin with the end in mind" (Stephen Covey)

What is the relationship between synchronous and asynchronous experiences? The opportunity to learn more about digital literacy by treating both sessions as one continuous "meeting" helps define what digital literacy actually implies (the ability to move seamlessly within these various digital platforms to create one cohesive experience). How we define "meetings" is being transformed with the advent of the blending of synchronous and asynchronous experiences and I think will have a profound effect on education and professional development. What literacies will be needed to learn in these settings?

Join.me allows Mac and Windows users to quickly share their screens with each other and work together. The person offering the screen share must download the software, and then just give your nine digit access number to your collaborators to give them access to your screen and to converse with you. It could be a very handy tool for sharing your screen with students to walk them through an application or give to give a virtual presentation. Join.me could also be useful for professional development in which you're introducing colleagues to the ins and outs of a program.

"I've had the pleasure to deliver and be part of countless sessions and workshops, and I can tell you from first-hand experience that there is nothing worse than a presenter who doesn't know his or her audience. Adult learners carry with them a very diverse set of skills and needs. To prepare a one-size-fits-all (or most) session does everyone a disservice. Whether you work in a district as an instructional support staff or you provide ancillary development as a contractor, the three tools and tactics featured in this post will provide an effective means to gauge the needs of your audience and chart your course to effectively support them."

Nice introductory video on using Twitter for PD and how to get started.

1st Google Education On Air conference with many educators presenting on a wide variety of topics. The video recordings of the sessions are found by clicking on each link. Most presenters have additional links to resources and you can add them to your Google+ connections.