Chapter 2 begins with a good description of the theory of communities of learning as a way to learn not through cognition or other previous theories but through social interaction. Communities are organized organically unlike school classes and are a places where learning can unfold.
A straightforward government-issued document on Communities of Practice that focuses on a variety of benefits for both organizations and individuals. Uses business at the working guide- not education- but the principles are the same. Very easy to comprehend document.
Thanks - I read this because it was not aimed at education which is where my interest tends to take me. I liked that there were examples with benefits but did find the description was probably a little narrow in stating that, ". .. who often collaborate via established Web sites. These community Web spaces are designed to allow community members to share ideas and knowledge in several ways" Enjoyed reading it though. Thanks.
One of the most important benefits of conducting a program evaluation is using your findings to improve services, motivate staff, or even to change public policy. This tip sheet focuses on ways to use your results to improve services.
If I am sharing a site that probably visit the most, it would probably be The Chronicle of Higher Education. I love the writing and insight this site provides, along with the colorful debates in the comments section that some of the topics ignite.
The chronicle of Higher Education website provides peer reviewed in depth discussion about all things higher ed. This website gives great insight into edtech trends, policy debate and breaking higher education news.
I thought this article was interesting, about the communities of practice because it was discussing who you interact with can shape your learning and thoughts. If you create a community of practice for a specific group, your learning is shaped by those who are in that community. It was discussing a teachers community of practice, how most of them collaborate with their own colleagues and therefore share and learn from each other which them reflects on their teaching.
I like the discussion of empowered use. Someday our students will be using the Internet without our filters and without someone policing their movements. Will they know how to maximize technology for learning and productivity? Will they know what to do when they encounter a site that makes them uncomfortable? Not if we don't empower them now.
Before this last assignment and this report, I had never considered teens as serious targets of identity theft. I found this report interesting and informative.
The National Education Technology Plan is the flagship educational technology policy document for the United States. The 2016 Plan, Future Ready Learning: Reimagining the Role of Technology in Education, articulates a vision of equity, active use, and collaborative leadership to make everywhere, all-the-time learning possible.
This recently published plan provides guidance and recommendations for use of technology in education. The report is separated in sections, with the Teaching section being a wonderful place to start for teachers looking for ways to learn, as well as innovative models from other teacher-leaders.
This book chapter delves into the interesting habits that teachers have when it comes to their practice. They generally stick with what is comfortable for them. When the community of practice is thrown into the mix, it allows teachers to be even more comfortable with different styles and ideas through informal professional interactions. This article has a big emphasis on policy changes, which is an important part of daily life as a teacher.
In this article the author makes the argument that a hybridization of PLCs and PLNs would benefit students and teachers. It provides an introduction to both concepts before it offers ideas on hybridization and why they would benefit stakeholders.
I like the argument. Hybridization of these two vital elements will provide teachers and learners with an all around better experience in a school day. I know that in my building PLC is often frowned upon by the staff, because they find it a waste of time. I think that the integration of PLNs in the process could provide far more than simply meeting and discussing policy/educational tools.
I really liked this article because I feel at my school there is many PLC, but no one is really connected to PLN (including myself). As a member of the technology commitment, we have a small group looking to create goals and share knowledge, but sometimes its doesn't go beyond our meeting walls. If the communities could be connected to PLN then the walls are broken down and the collaboration and problem-solving input increased.