Learning Through a Web of Digital Networks
In a classroom and work setting, nothing is worse than days when the network is down. As a society we are so deeply embedded in the online environment that when digital connections are disabled, our progress comes to a halt. Connectedness has become an integral part of who we are and how we gather information. The internet is a social mecca for information gathering, learning and collaboration. I have found that building and maintaining personal learning networks online and in the face to face environment is the essential factor in growing as an educator in a tech-ready world.
In a wired world, personal networks guide us towards unique learning opportunities. It wasn’t until I entered the Master of Arts in Educational Technology program that I understood why my undergraduate professors stressed the words: Network. Network. Network. If it weren’t for a peer’s brief interaction with an elementary principal, I may not have landed a first grade teaching job in Michigan. The web of networks I was introduced to as a part of this job lead me to my current position as an Instructional Technology Specialist. With this position, my personal learning network has been stretched to educators across the state and country, giving me a more rounded perspective of best practices in teaching and learning with technology.
In a wired world, personal networks guide us towards unique learning opportunities. It wasn’t until I entered the Master of Arts in Educational Technology program that I understood why my undergraduate professors stressed the words: Network. Network. Network. If it weren’t for a peer’s brief interaction with an elementary principal, I may not have landed a first grade teaching job in Michigan. The web of networks I was introduced to as a part of this job lead me to my current position as an Instructional Technology Specialist. With this position, my personal learning network has been stretched to educators across the state and country, giving me a more rounded perspective of best practices in teaching and learning with technology.
As an Instructional Technology Specialist for an Intermediate School District, my responsibility is to enhance the role of technology in the classroom setting by providing professional learning opportunities for districts. My job requires that keep up to date with not only the latest technology trends but also the most effective pedagogical strategies to increase student learning and achievement. I have learned a lot of great instructional resources and strategies such as TPACK (the intersection of Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge) and SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition) which I currently share as a best practice for instructional design with technology. While I learned a lot of content in the MAET (Master of Arts in Educational Technology) program at Michigan State, technology is constantly changing. The way I discover innovative technology resources is by reaching out to my personal learning network.
My personal learning network has evolved from a small group of teachers (see inset image) to a national, even worldly group. The educators that I worked with during the Year 1 and Year 2 summer cohort in the MAET program are a group of people that I continue to reach out to three years later. This diverse and dynamic group included elementary, secondary, and special education educators from around the country who shared a similar passion and helped me gain a new perspective of what it means to be an educator. In addition to my cohorts, I have also learned a lot from the teachers I work with on a daily basis. While I served most of my teaching career between preschool and third grade, these groups offer guidance on what educational technology looks like at all grade levels by providing real world application of the resources and support when I need them. My concept of education has been expanded to include every grade level, district size and demographic because of these two groups.
As I’ve moved into the Instructional Technologist role at an Intermediate School District level, I have expanded my personal learning network by participating in the Regional Instructional Technology Specialists (RITS) group which includes Instructional Technologists from around the state. Many of these educators are people whom I have looked up to as technology leaders and I am now able to call them my colleagues. This group meets three times a year in addition to an annual retreat. The process of bouncing ideas off of innovative technology integrationists always gets my creative juices flowing, enhances my understanding of new topics and resources, and sends me off with a plethora of ideas to share.
As I’ve moved into the Instructional Technologist role at an Intermediate School District level, I have expanded my personal learning network by participating in the Regional Instructional Technology Specialists (RITS) group which includes Instructional Technologists from around the state. Many of these educators are people whom I have looked up to as technology leaders and I am now able to call them my colleagues. This group meets three times a year in addition to an annual retreat. The process of bouncing ideas off of innovative technology integrationists always gets my creative juices flowing, enhances my understanding of new topics and resources, and sends me off with a plethora of ideas to share.
The networks addressed above do not fizzle because they are maintained over social media outlets such as Google Plus, Twitter, Pinterest and email. Not only do these resources allow me to learn and share ideas with these groups, but they also connect me to new people and concepts. Twitter is one of the most amazing professional development opportunities that provides anytime, anyplace learning. My Twitter personal learning network has expanded to technology leaders from around the country who share a personal account of new research, resources and tips. When time allows, I have been able to participate in Twitter chats such as #firstchat and #miched which allows me to have meaningful learning experiences with strangers who share similar backgrounds and passions.
Aside from Twitter, Google Plus is becoming a go to place for many of my PLNs including the RITS group and Edtech Rally group (which includes district level technology coaches from around the state) to pose questions and resources. These social tools are enhanced by my independent online learning opportunities. MOOCS, which are Massive Open Online Courses and TED Talks continue to inspire deep reflection and learning as they offer organic learning experiences.
Aside from Twitter, Google Plus is becoming a go to place for many of my PLNs including the RITS group and Edtech Rally group (which includes district level technology coaches from around the state) to pose questions and resources. These social tools are enhanced by my independent online learning opportunities. MOOCS, which are Massive Open Online Courses and TED Talks continue to inspire deep reflection and learning as they offer organic learning experiences.
While these online resources are essential learning tools in the 21st century, face to face collaborations have always been my prefered method of interaction. I am able to balance this virtual learning in a more blended environment by participating in technology conferences. This year I will be presenting at MiGoogle, Michigan Associate for Computer Users in Learning conference (MACUL), the Michigan Council of Teachers of English (MCTE) Conference, and the MSU College of Education Technology Conference. In addition, I will also participating in the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) conference where I will interact with educators from around the country. Presenting and participating in these conferences is only half as valuable as the professional relationships and connections I will make.
Graduation from the MAET program will mark the ending of an amazing experience that opened the door to lifelong learning. The concept of a personal learning network which was introduced in one of my first courses had an impact on my concept of learning in the digital age. As I move forward, my goal is to not only share what I learn with others, but to also help them understand the power of networks and connectedness to enhance personal and student learning in the digital age.