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In episode 17, Michael talks with Torrey Trust, Jeff Carpenter, and Dan Krutka about teacher Professional Learning Networks (PLNs).

Books, articles, lessons, and other amazing resources

1. Most importantly, here's Torrey's blog post, How Surfing Prepared Me for Graduate School. Look for Okie Dan Krutka's upcoming post about how the wave pool at Big Splash prepared him for teaching.

2. You can find the research study that is the focus of our discussion:
Trust, T., Krutka, D. G., & Carpenter, J. P. (2016). "Together we are better": Professional learning networks for whole teachers. Computers & Education, 102(1), 15-34. (Open access until August 29th, 2016!)

3. The 3-part framework we discuss is currently part of an article titled, "Enriching Professional Learning Networks: A Framework for Identification, Reflection, and Intention." The framework encourages educators to consider to what degree the people, spaces, and tools (e.g., resources, skills, ideas, teaching strategies) benefit them and their students. This manuscript is currently under review, but we will share it once we are able to.

4. You can find Torrey's research on PLNs on her ResearchGate profile.

5. You can find Jeff's research on on his ResearchGate profile.

6. You can find Dan's research on his page at ResearchGate (requires log-in), Academia.edu, or Google Scholar.

7. Some of the platforms and events you can use to grow your PLN include:

1. Twitter (Jeff and Dan's research) and Twitter chats (primer)

2. Voxer

3. Google+ Communities

4. Edmodo Subject Communities

5. Pinterest

6. Edcamp unconferences (see Jeff's ResearchGate profile for edcamp research)

7. And more!

8. We will continually add links to our research and much more at ProfessionalLearningNetworks.com.

Contact
Torrey Trust is an assistant professor of learning technology in the teacher education and curriculum studies department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Be a part of Torrey's PLN by tweeting her @torreytrust.

Jeff Carpenter is an associate professor of education and the director of teaching fellows program Elon University. You can be a learn more about his teaching fellow program by visiting elon.edu/teachingfellows. You can tweet at him @doccarpenter.

Dan Krutka is on, like, every episode. You know where to find him. 😉

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Episode 17: Teacher PLNs with Torrey Trust, Jeff Carpenter, & Dan Krutka

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In episode 17, Michael talks with Torrey Trust, Jeff Carpenter, and Dan Krutka about teacher Professional Learning Networks (PLNs). Books, articles, lessons, and other amazing resources Most importantly, here's Torrey's blog post, How Surfing Prepared Me for Graduate School. Look for Okie Dan...

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Standard 5: Connected Learner
Leaders model and promote continuous professional learning for themselves and others. Education leaders:

Set goals to remain current on emerging technologies for learning, innovations in pedagogy and advancements in the learning sciences.

Participate regularly in online professional learning networks to collaboratively learn with and mentor other professionals.

Use technology to regularly engage in reflective practices that support personal and professional growth.

Develop the skills needed to lead and navigate change, advance systems and promote a mindset of continuous improvement for how technology can improve learning.

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Personal Learning Network (PLN) Benefits, Tools, and Tactics

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Personal Learning Network (PLN) Benefits, Tools, and Tactics

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Read this post to find ways to connect with other professionals outside your school community to form an PLN.

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Within the silo of a school or classroom, it's difficult to find time for meaningful conversations about what works and why.

But by reaching beyond school walls and connecting with colleagues from around the globe, many educators have discovered vibrant learning communities in which teachers and leaders share ideas and propel each other to grow. Whether it's sharing lesson plans, setting up global collaborations or just commiserating about challenging circumstances, connecting to other educators pays big dividends.

Still, getting connected isn't always easy. We asked the ISTE community to offer tips on how to connect with colleagues outside your school community to form an invaluable professional learning network. Here's what they said:

1. Dedicate time for networking.

Networking may sound intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Half the battle is simply setting aside time to initiate conversations, whether online or in person.

"Find a way to regularly get together with excellent educators to fine-tune your practice," said Flip Your Classroom co-author Jon Bergmann. "Don't have an agenda, but just talk about good practices."

2. Participate in ed chats.

Educators get together on Twitter at regular times to talk about the subjects that ignite them. Throughout the week, dozens of education-related chats on topics ranging from 1:1 to flipped learning present opportunities to build relationships.

"You can build a great PLN and connect with like-minded educators by following the Twitter hashtags that most interest you in terms of grade level, subject area or topic," said education consultant and author Jerry Blumengarten.

3. Join a network.

If handpicking your personal network seems too time consuming, you can join a ready-made group, such as ISTE Connect. Join conversations based on specific topics or areas of interest, such as online learning, digital citizenship, global collaboration or equity. Many of these groups provide year-round professional learning as well as opportunities for leadership and collaboration.

4. Attend conferences and edcamps.

Events like ISTELive and Creative Constructor Lab provide an opportunity for face-to-face collaboration and can deepen your connection to your PLN. Many educators with online networks relish the chance to meet their distant colleagues in person.

"By taking part in conferences such as ISTE, American Library Association, November Learning BLC Conference, School Library Journal Summit and edcamps, I have strengthened and deepened the relationships that started online with my educator friends and colleagues," said school librarian Shannon Miller. "These relationships have brought so many amazing things back to my students and school community, including collaborative projects, connected classrooms and exchanges between our students."

5. Share your ideas.

True connection is a two-way street. Sharing content online - rather than merely consuming it - can help you find like-minded colleagues to collaborate with.

"One way I find educators to connect with is to create a survey on a hot topic that I am interested in, spread the word through my social media channels, and tell the respondents that I will share the collected data with them," said educational technologist Kathy Schrock. "I often find some creative new item or idea, and I can contact that person and connect for more information."

Writing your own blog is another way to initiate conversations online, said Science Leadership Academy founding principal Chris Lehmann.

"Blogging is still really important," Lehmann said. "People are still reading, and the voices of educators are more important than ever."

6. Ask a connected educator for help.

"If you are unsure about how to connect with others online, find somebody else who has and learn how they connect," Bergmann said.
Jerry Fingal is an Oregon-based blogger who writes about how technology impacts teaching and learning.

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Within the silo of a school or classroom, it's difficult to find time for meaningful conversations about what works and why. But by reaching beyond school walls and connecting with colleagues from around the globe, many educators have discovered vibrant learning communities in which teachers and leaders share ideas and propel each other to grow.

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Creating and Starting a Professional Learning Network on Twitter

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Creating and Starting a Professional Learning Network on Twitter

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Click here to see how to start a PLN on Twitter!

Steps
1. Follow other teachers you know and see who they follow.

2. Use hashtags when you tweet. A popular hashtag that you can follow is #educhat.

3. Get Engaged and Tweet! Just start tweeting, retweeting or liking other tweets!

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Starting a PLN on Twitter: A Quick Guide For Teachers

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Podcast on PLNs: An Ed Leader’s Guide to Creating a Personal Learning Network, Dos and Don’ts

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Podcast on PLNs: An Ed Leader’s Guide to Creating a Personal Learning Network, Dos and Don’ts

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Brad Currie, Steve Rocco, Billy Krakower

In this episode of #SATChat Radio, your hosts cover the highlights of the 2/8/14 #satchat on PLNs. This segment provides an overview of the basics education leaders need to know about developing a personal learning network (PLN).

Follow on Twitter: @ bcurrie5 @ wkrakower @ ScottRRocco @ bamradionetwork

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PLNs: An Ed Leader's Guide to Creating a Personal Learning Network, Dos and Don'ts

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Brad Currie, Steve Rocco, Billy Krakower In this episode of #SATChat Radio, your hosts cover the highlights of the 2/8/14 #satchat on PLNs. This segment provides an overview of the basics education leaders need to know about developing a personal learning network (PLN).

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Reasons to Create a Professional Learning Community

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Reasons to Create a Professional Learning Community