EDUC 9F63 - APPENDICES ASSIGNMENT

BY: WENDY GOODMAN

Integration of Information and Computer Technology in Instruction - PART 3

PLN ASSIGNMENT

EXPLANATION21st century technologies have made the world smaller

This is impacting not only our students, but also teacher professional development

Your task in this assignment is to explore this shrinking globe of information and connections as it relates to Professional Learning Networks (PLNs)

PART 1 - INITIAL INVESTIGATION

Find and review 3 online PLNs related to instructional practice, integrated technology in education, etc.

Outline the purpose of the network, the type of users/members, its ease of navigation, and its features (eg. topic, forums, webinars, etc.)

“Classroom 2.0” or “The Educator’s PLN” are good starting points

PART 2 - SIGN UP!Choose one of the PLNs and sign up - let the learning begin!

Get involved in all that the PLN has to offer, get connected with other professionals

PART 3 - REFLECTIONWrite a reflection on your experiences with in the PLN

You may want to address some of the following ideas - What did you learn? What was the focus of the PLN? What are the challenges/benefits? How do online PLNs impact teacher PD? Is this a solution for everyone?

PART 4 - PRESENTSince this is a Part 3 course, which prepares you for leadership, present your findings as a power point that you would use to in-service other teachers within your board

Upload your presentation to slideshare.net and post the link in the class forum

CONNECTION TO APPENDICES The assignment outlined in the previous slides

has a couple of links to the appendices in “web 2.0 - new tools, new schools”

Appendix B - this lists a whole variety of new tools, however this assignment focuses on the use of the presentation tool “SlideShare”

Appendix C - I used “a day in the life of web 2.0” as a foundation for developing the idea of investigating professional development through online PLNs. I personally believe that online PD is a valuable tool - it can be done at the individual’s own pace and it is totally customizable

THE RUBRIC

LEVEL 4 3 2 1

PLN REVIEW

Each PLN site is described in detail. Explanation includes the types of

participants and various features. There is variation in the types of PLNs selected for

review.

REFLECTION

Reflection is truly reflective and demonstrates professional growth of the

participant.

PRESENTATION

Power Point demonstrates leadership and knowledge of the implementation of PLNs. It is suitable for use in teacher in-service.

TECHNOLOGY SKILL

The reflection piece and presentation demonstrates a high level of technology

skill. People will trust your knowledge and view point.