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This paper explores faculty views with respect to tech literacy, tech training, and pedagogy. The upshot is that to more broadly integrate technology in higher ed, more effective faculty training is required.

I really like the point within the paper where they identify the aspects that must be considered when training in a teacher. He states four main points about technology teacher training that I think are really relevant in where education is going today. 1. Education training takes considerably longer to learn than learning a new teaching model. 2. Access to technology at home and at school is essential. 3. Fear of the unknown must be addressed. And 4. The use of technology will force teachers to re-conceptualize the way in which they teach. I think these are 4 very interesting talking points when looking at the use of social networks and highlights the importance of using CoP's and Learning Networks to have each group benefit.

This article addresses the many challenges of setting up a Personal Learning Environment. The article also discusses the many benefits and various modes of collaboration and online discussion forums.

This article is about how learning management systems can be set up to encourage the development of Personal Learning Environments and connectivist learning. Currently many LMS are not developing students who are reaching their potential in creativity and autonomous learning. The large limiting factor in this include lack of student or even instructor knowledge of tools within an LMS. This is creating students who are dependent on the resources available within their LMS rather than capable of finding their own resources to guide their learning. When designing an online course it is crucial that students have the opportunity to discuss their learning and to share resources among each other.

This article discusses the importance of Twitter to PLNs. The author points to a variety of benefits of using Twitter in a PLN, including the ability to tap into collective knowledge, to amplify one's own ideas, and to solicit help from the PLN. As an infrequent Twitter user, this article really pushes me to question my lack of use of this powerful tool.

This video does a nice job of showing the benefits of PLNs. I like the "3 c's" this video outlines: collaboration, communication, and contribution. It provides examples of what make PLNs work and compares them to the typical professional development environment.

A short, engaging YouTube video on defining Personal Learning Networks.

I really enjoy the simplicity of this video while at the same time the depth of understanding it gives in such a brief period of time. For me this video really drives home the effectiveness technology can have in presenting potentially overwhelming information in a very easy to understand manner.

In my opinion, the key words of this video are "what", because you choose what to share, "where" and "when" to do it. It is brief but powerful. Thanks Melodie for sharing it!

This source addresses personal learning networks and connected learning environments. It describes connected learning as important because information is so widespread and accessible, and learning is now happening flexibly. The source also discusses connectivity and communities of practice.

This article discusses the idea of connected learning and its benefits. It discusses how the learner can be at the center of their learning. Although this article focuses of incorporating connected learning to teaching practices, it can also be applied to gain a better understanding of forming personal learning networks to enhance ones professional growth.

I love the term "connected learning." I can't imagine learning in isolation. I have to take what I am reading and share it out on Twitter, I want to get the interaction of others to enrich and enhance what I am learning. Learning systems is a good way to put it. You have a system in place that involves connecting with others.

This link provides 10 tips for using PLNs and 10 tips for establishing productive ones. Using Diigo is the first tip for establishing a productive PLN - I thought that was pretty cool.

"Sharing discoveries is more efficient and honorable than patenting them" - I love that! The steps outlined in this post definitely are based on this great principle. It's also great to know that that's exactly what we do at Edtech (unlike in so many other grad programs where so much of the student work never gets shared.) Great post!

I like lists and how-tos. This article by Miriam Clifford provides a great introduction to the nuts and bolts of establishing a PLN.

This site explains the benefits of using electronic portfolios in the classroom. It walks you through the process of developing an eportfolio.

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.

Learn about creating classroom rules for diverse groups. This two-week online course helps participants learn how Thinkfinity's social network can benefit educators. (one graduate credit) Iron Worker's Hard Hat, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. Experience the events of September 11, 2001.

This article discusses how communities of practice benefit from technology, particularly in social work contexts. To start, it talks about how groups such as Weight Watchers and Alcoholics Anonymous are communities of practice (this was good for me to see as I have certainly been basing them on more "tech based" models). A key part of communities of practice, according to the article, is becoming a practitioner and not simply acquiring knowledge about practice. Page 593 also had a useful "stage" description to see communities of practice along a continuum.

The authors examine how professional learning programs can benefit from including communities of practice. When approached from a connectivist perspective, teachers can create their own networks of practice that challenge more traditional methods of professional development offerings at universities and school districts. The theory of communities of practice learning demonstrates the changing participant's role, as each person becomes an active contributor using his/her own teaching practice in context within socially networked modalities. The changing role of the student creates a new way of approaching professional learning. Challenges include constraints of using online courses that have a definite beginning and end to the interactions. The authors point out that a key to redesigning online courses is to encourage participants to develop their own networks of practice that extend beyond the confines of the course structure and timeline.

This article examines a study done in New Zealand on 15 teachers online professional learning as part of a graduate ICT program. It attempts to draw connections between their PLN's and two learning theories. The two learning theories examined are Social Constructivist theory and the Communities of Practice Social Theory. The article describes how teachers create learning networks through their online and offline interactions with peers. The article is scholarly in nature and focuses very much on the research.

This link is a slideshare. The slideshare begins by describing what a PLN is and the benefits of creating one including the facts that are flexible, personal and practical. It also talks about them happening in real time, allowing instant access to people and information and also giving access to expertise in any field. It goes on to describe the two types of PLN's collaborative tools and information gathering. The article then provides a list of possible tools and good resources to be included in your PLN.

This article is from Ebscohost and does require users to log into Albertson's Library before accessing. This paper looks at shared social capital and what it means for teachers. It also looks at the difference and the benefits for teachers using online vs offline professional development resources as it relates to Facebook.

This article was found through Ebscohost in Albertson's library and requires you log into your MyBoiseState account to access. This article is a brief history of the rise of PLN's and talks about how they are created, why they have been successful and gives some examples of how schools are using them. it also discusses the benefits of PLN's. This article is an easy read and not particularly scholarly

This blogger shared ideas on how as an educator you can embrace the learning theory of Connectivism. She states that connectivism revolves around creating online networks of learning. Through these networks, knowledge is shared. She states that Web 2.0 tools encourage this learning theory by default. Just by using Facebook, Twitter, creating digital portfolios and blogs to discuss and share education, you are on the right path to discovering the benefits Connectivism.

Edublogs Teachers. This has a Step by Step process of how to create a PLN in just a few weeks. Very useful information given here.

Who can't use a step by step guide for PLNS? This is great. I can use guides for everything! I love quick breakdown and references that are presented in this blog. Thank your for sharing... I may be borrowing this into my diigo library! I think I now officially have a PLN to do list. Thank you for this find.

I love the step-by-step ease of this blog. Bookmarked this and definitely going to use it to my benefit!

Interesting ways to use technology for book reports.

Edutopia kills it one more time with this guide for student-centered learning. As most of these guides do, it points out that there has to be infrastructure development for a program like this to work. Administrators should support teachers interested in doing this.

Anyone who has a disability and uses a Mac, wants to buy one, or who teaches or assists others with disabilities who use a Mac can benefit from Apple's list of Accessibility features.