I have learned so much through the MET program in regards to using digital tools to enhance my classroom. However, now I am beginning to see how I can use many of these same tools for my own personal learning network. I used to see PD as something that I had to endure because someone else decided what I needed to learn to become a better educator. Now, as this visual shows, I feel like I am in control of what kind of professional development I receive because I am learning how to use my network of digital tools to tap into the information that I want to enhance or satisfy my desires. I have become the center of my own learning where the technology serves my needs. In years past, our professional development revolved around a presenters agenda. With today's technology, my professional development can be personalized so that it revolves around me.
I do feel that professional development which allows a person to personalize their learning is the most beneficial system. I am a advocate for the use of technology to extend PD to the learner. I know there are concerns with this system such as the accountability piece. Some fear that the professionals may neglect PD if they were given choices and expected to complete items online. I feel differently about this because I feel that educators are professionals who deserve the choices and freedoms. I hope we can eliminate the fears and pursue this avenue in the future. Our district is looking into the cost and scheduling implications for such a varied system - I'm excited about it! I love your visual! Which technology tool did you use to create it?
ReplyDeleteWell said...I wish the administration would "trust" those they hire more, and allow us to develop as professionals on our own. Most of us work tirelessly trying to perfect our craft without any need of additional expectations. If they have concerns with an individual teacher's professional development then they should simply deal with those individuals on a separate basis. Unfortunately, we are part of a system that pushes conformity to a specific standard instead of rewarding individual creativity and excellence. Whenever someone does something of significance in the classroom the (or I should say"my") administration wants to make it a universal practice. The unfortunate part of that kind of thinking is that often the success a teacher has is built upon a teacher's personality and the relationships they have with a particular group of students. The greatness is in the art of teaching instead of the formula/science of certain lessons. It is not always transferable. Anyway, I hope districts will allow for more personalized PLN's in the digital age. It sure would be easier.
ReplyDeleteI also feel that I am taking control of my own professional development. With all the tools and resources we have been learning about I feel empowered as an educator and am growing as a professional daily.
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned being in control of your own PD and being able to personalize it to meet your needs. As I read your reflection, I laughed at how many hours of PD teachers have probably endured that haven't been relevant to the individual teachers. (Not that all the PD I've attended has been worthless, but I think we've all been in sessions where we think of everything else we could be working on during the presentation.) I truly believe that is why many teachers get stagnant and turned off to integrating new techniques into their lessons. Having the ability to "dial in" to information that is grade-level and content appropriate is incredibly beneficial. Then add tools like Feedly and TweetDeck that can help make keeping up with content manageable. Combined, I think we each have witnessed how powerful a well-developed PLN can be to a teacher. I'm eager to continue to grow mine and share with others how they can do the same. Hopefully, more and more districts will come to recognize the power of PLN's!
ReplyDeleteBrian I think you have a great point when you said in your comment that something that was successful for one teacher probably will not be so for all teachers. When I look at all these tools and resources we have learned about in the MET program, I think about how can this work for me and my classroom. That is what every teacher has to do. It is great to share ideas and borrow from each other but typically you need to change the idea a little bit to make it your own. Administration should be encouraging collaboration and sharing ideas rather than teachers simply adopting others practices.
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