Build+a+Professional+Learning+Network

Build a Professional Learning Network

How do teachers find out about new technologies and innovations? How do we learn how to integrate new ideas? One way to do so is to build a Professional Learning Network, or PLN. Here are suggestions for building you own.

1. Make good use of technology resources in your district. Many, if not most, districts employ technology integrators, or coaches, who help teachers learn new technology and who will help you plan and implement (if needed) lessons integrating technology. Additionally, don't be afraid to ask other teachers how they use technology--build a rapport with those who are integrating technology on a regular basis. You may find teachers who are willing to share lessons or plan interdisciplinary projects involving technology. Find out what technology is available (interactive whiteboards, individual response devices, computer labs, projectors, document cameras, laptop carts, netbooks, etc.) and find out how to use it.

2. Make use of RSS feeds. There are countless number of blogs and websites which provide information regarding technology use in the classroom, many of which are subject-area specific. Using Google, create a personal home page and let technology news come to you. Search and find informative blogs or websites, then subscribe using the RSS feed feature. You can easily and quickly learn without having to "find" the news--it will come to you!

How to: 1. Set up a "receiver". . . Google will allow you to customize your Google home page to collect RSS feeds--or set up the Google Reader. 2. Find a blog or site that you would like to subscribe to. Look for the RSS icon (the orange "broadcast" symbol) and click. . . identify where you want the feed to appear (your Google home page, reader, etc.). . . and voila!

3. Join a listserve. Ask your technology integrator if there are listserves available for you to join in your subject area or grade level. You can gain knowledge, ideas, and share what you know with the others who are members of the list.

4. Check out groups at Diigo. Social bookmarking is a great way to collect your bookmarks in one place and have them available to you no matter what computer you use. You can create a group and share your bookmarks among those in your group--or subscribe to a group and receive a daily email of the bookmarks shared in the group.

5. Tweet. Twitter is another way to receive professional information from others. Follow people who have similar interests in technology or teaching, and use their tweets as resources.

6. Read. Make time each week to research, learn, discover, and try new technology.

Be a life-long learner! If it's something you want for your students, model it!