The Power of the Professional Learning Community (PLN)

What is the power behind professional learning networks (PLNs) that are everywhere to be found on Twitter? The simple graphic organizer created using the tool, Text 2 Mind Map, forms the basis for a conversation, The Power of the PLN: Making NYEDChat the Voice of NYS, that will air on 1/18/14 at 8:30 pm EST. Tune into Twitter and search for the hashtag label, #nyedchat, to either join the conversation or listen to the exchanges. Kicking off the New Year with this topic is part of a campaign, to build a network of dedicated educators committed to impacting teaching and learning in New York State. The NYEDChat moderating team of Bill Brennan, Vicki Day, Blanca Duarte, Starr Sackstein, Tony Sinanis, and Carol Varsalona have been working on a variety of topics and inviting guest speakers to bring lively discussions to the NYEDChat learning community.

You may ask, "What is the value in joining NYEDChat on Twitter every other Monday?" For those seeking ongoing learning experiences or new to Twitter, this PLN will allow for online professional development opportunities that can affect teaching and learning on a daily basis. Below are additional benefits that #nyedchat will offer to educators.  It will provide:

• A connected network for NYS educators and those joining from other states
• Discussions on current topics that impact teaching and learning
• Avenues for immediate advice and support
• Information on educational technology, teaching, learning, educational leadership, and other topics of interest
• Inspiration 
• Links to other networks, chat groups, and educational leaders

Educators who involve themselves in online networking opportunities with PLNs find the experience worthwhile. The NYEDChat Moderating Team invites you to collaborate and learn with fellow educators every other Monday. We encourage you to tweet the information to others so that NYEDChat grows in numbers to represent New York State in the Twitter community of educators across the nation. 

The true power of the PLN is in its collaborative opportunities that shift mindsets and promote a collective consciousness.

STAY INFORMED - STAY CONNECTED

For the past decade, I have championed the cause of building reflective communities and collaborative conversations as vehicles to impact teaching and learning. So, it would follow that even in retirement from public education I would continue this initiative as I consult with teachers. Over the past decade, I have seen a change in connected environments and due to the power of Twitter my mind has been opened to additional avenues for staying informed and staying connected. Without leaving my home, I can converse with like-minded educators across the states who have a unified purpose - impacting teaching and learning on a daily basis. I am amazed at the number of committed educators I have been introduced to through Twitter, a real-time information network. Each week, I can choose from a variety of PLNs to delve deep into topics such as leadership, vision, back to school night, instructional practices, read alouds, close readings, and teaching and learning.  I have applauded committed individuals who spend time outside of work engaging in relevant, thought-provoking conversations on powerful PLNs, such as #satchat, #ideachat, #nyedchat. Stimulating, engaging, exchanges interjected at a quick pace, push my thinking. Where could I have as many conversations that champion creativity, innovation, and reflection, if it were not for connected environments?  In addition, embedded in Twitter messages I find links to professional blogs, websites, and events. With these avenues I can make new connections and further my growth as an educator. 

As September turns into October, stay connected and become informed about relevant issues in education. Join veteran and novice educators across the globe as "Helping Educators Thrive in a Connected World" becomes a focus during Connected Educator Month. For those attending the first ELA Coordinator Network on September 30, 2013 that connects State Ed officials with Long Island educators, live connections will be encouraged through the use of the Twitter hashtag, #elanetwork. This is an opportunity to tweet pertinent information to those in the conference room and those not able to attend. In addition, during Connected Educator Month, you may find it interesting to blog with your colleagues, connect with your district PLN, such as Reflective Pathway, or join a face to face professional development group. With each new conversation you can deepen and further your professional learning. Being informed and staying connected are practices worth investing in for these may lead you to further collaboration and improved instructional practices.

If you would like Twitter Tips, go to http://partyaficionado.com/2011/05/29/how-to-use-twitter-infographic/.
If you would like an inforgraphic that summarizes Twitter for teachers, go to http://www.teachthought.com/social-media/infographic-summarizes-twitter-teachers/.