Personalized Learning

Anytime and

Everywhere

Leanne Knight ET8019

Importance

"For the first time in history, we know now how to store virtually all humanity's most important information and make it available, almost instantly, in almost any form, to almost anyone on earth. We also know how to do that in great new ways so that people can interact with it, and learn from it” (Dryden & Vos, 2005). Online information is utilized in many different ways. As an educators, we need to find appropriate avenues to control our own professional development. With the multitude of networks available online, our options are vast.

Personal Learning Networks

One way for us to utilize online resources for professional development is to utilize a Personal Learning Network (PLN).

Wikipedia states:Personal Learning Networks consist of the people a learner interacts with and derives knowledge from in a Personal Learning Environment. An important part of this concept is the theory of connectivism. . . . Learners create connections and develop a network that contributes to their professional development and knowledge. (Personal Learning Networks, 2011)

PLN in simple terms: YouTube video

The Educator’s PLN

• The Educator’s PLN is a Ning site dedicated to the support of a Personal Learning Network for Educators – videos– groups– forums

• I recently joined the “elemchat” group which helps to provide elementary school educators a location for discussing issues and strategies that are specific to teaching in the elementary school context.

• Since I utilize twitter (imaknight), I can follow them at elemchat.

Classroom 2.0

• Classroom 2.0 was started in March of 2007 by Steve Hargadon.

• This social network is for those interested in Web 2.0 and Social Media in education.

• Allows members to participate in discussions , receive event notifications, and find and connect with colleagues.

• Classroom 2.0 is a free, community-supported network.

• Classroom 2.0 offers:• Discussions• Webinars• Specific Groups

Real World Implementations

Educator’s PLN• I have been a member of the the

1:1 Sustainability and Feasibility which has helped me with resources as my school pilots and moves to a 1:1 laptop environment.

• This group shares ideas, implementations, methods and more on how to effectively implement 1:1 computing programs that are economically feasible and sustainable in K-20 education.

• I appreciate the innovative idea sharing and reminder emails about web conferences and other professional development opportunities they offer online.

• This group has helped me immeasurable with my current position as my school’s technology leader as I help implement 21st century skills.

Classroom 2.0• I recently found Educator’s PLN and have

joined their “elemchat” group to help broaden my knowledge. Using information systems allows professionals to acquire knowledge when it is feasible to their schedule. Teachers can utilize a PLN on a basis that is cognoscente of their time constraints.

• The “News Share” portion of this site has wonderful information that is happening currently. Site contains information such as, helpful advice for blogging, possible harmful sites, and even advice for recent graduates wanting to enter the teaching field.

• Educator’s PLN has a link to a live stream for the Twitter discussion for hash-tag edchat.

“More and more, Higher Education (both in high school and University) are benefiting from the Internet and its resources. A variety of systems are used to support teaching-learning activities in the school and the university and to satisfy lifelong learning needs, mostly with the help of the Web” (Cartelli, 2006).

Utilize Information Systems for PLN

“No school is an isolated entity providing a specific portion of basic education within a particular community – it is a part of a continuum or a pipeline of institutions, which together form an educational pipeline through which groups of students pass” (Tolley & Shulruf, 2009).

Classroom 2.0 Awards

The Educator’s PLN Classroom 2.0

Awards

Information Systems Teachers Utilize Regularly

Leanne Knight

Data Storage

Photo Sharing

Social Network

Sites

TwitterPodcastsWikisBlogs

Video Conferencing

Social Bookmarking

Curriculum Documents

(online)

Conferences

Why?

•Using Information systems helps to focus a professional’s ability to find pertinent professional development. •Information systems make this possible since people can now contact each other over the internet in a multitude of ways at practically no cost. •Utilizing a host of information systems is paramount to personal learning networks. •Teachers can find a variety of options within Facebook, Ning, Twitter, Diigo, etc.

Works Cited

Cartelli, A. (2006). Semantics, ontologies and information systems in education: Concerns and

proposals. Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology,Vol3. Retrieved on April

20, 2011, from http://informingscience.org/proceedings/InSITE2006/IISITCart211.pdf

Dryden, G., & Vos, J., (2005). The New Learning Revolution: How Britain Can Lead the World in

Learning, Education, and Schooling. UK: Network Educational Press Ltd. p. 127.

Personal Learning Networks. (2011 April 10). In Wikipedia Retrieved on April 21, 201, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_Learning_Networks

Tolley, H., & Shulruf, B. (2009). From data to knowledge: The interaction between data

management systems in educational institutions and the delivery of quality education.

Sketchy Explanation: Starting a PLN. (2010 June 27). Retrieved on April 21, 2011 at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqSH5TMYlz4