Professional Learning Networks by Pawlick

Why do teachers need a PLN?

pawlick — 2014-09-20 02:13:04 UTC

#1 Allows you to focus professional development on the areas your most interested in (such as discussion topics, videos, lesson plans, ect)

#2 Form relationships with educators across the globe; where you not only build on others ideas, but share yours as well

Catapano, Jordan. "What is a PLN? Why do I need one?". http://www.teachhub.com/what-pln-why-do-i-need-one Retrieved Sept 19, 2014.

Reasons to start your PLN now!

pawlick — 2014-09-20 02:41:19 UTC

Accessibility - Your PLN will always be there for you as you move and advance through your career path

Responsibility - You will be taking your professional development into your own hands, not relying on funding

Two Way Learning - Creating a network of like-minded educators who you can collaborate with

Find Answers - Fast and convenient way to get the answers to your questions any time of the day

Staying current - Your PLN will keep you up to date on recent education trends and developments

YouTube - Personal Learning Networks for Educators, Skip Via.

A PLN is part of teaching in the 21st Century

pawlick — 2014-09-20 03:18:20 UTC

"Education in Alberta will be shaped by a greater emphasis ... on technology to support the creation and sharing of knowledge than on technology to support teaching." - Alberta School Act 2013

There is an ever growing demand for teachers to use technology to stay current on learning and teaching trends. As a modern teacher we need to utilize technology in new ways and use it collaborate and communicate knowledge with others in our profession, and our students. A PLN is the best way to coordinate our learning on the internet and is essential for all teachers to have.

Government of Alberta Department of Education Ministerial Order (#001/2013). School Act http://education.alberta.ca/media/6950988/mostudentlearning.pdf

A great PLN will keep you teaching for years to come

pawlick — 2014-09-20 04:15:19 UTC

In the USA 46% of new teachers leave teaching in the first 5 years, in the UK 40% leave in the first 3 years and in Canada there is an estimated 30% turnover rate in the first 5 years (Karsenti and Collin, 2013).

Some of the reasons teachers leave their profession are:

- difficult classrooms

- too time consuming

- relations with eduators

- teaching subject (Karsenti and Collin, 2013)

As new teachers it can be difficult to master new lesson plans, manage your students, organize the classroom, build lasting relationships with colleagues and administration and the list goes on! A PLN gives you the support, tools and knowledge to effectively deal with all these challenges. It makes your life easier and in turn reduces your stress!

Karsenti and Collin. "Why are New Teachers Leaving the Profession? Results of a Canada-wide Survey." Education 2013, 3(3): 141-149. DOI: 10.5923/j.edu20130303.01

A PLN can be fun and interesting!

pawlick — 2014-09-20 04:46:49 UTC

A successful PLN includes fun and interesting aspects that keep you entertained and engaged in the educational conversation! If it isn't fun then why do it right? By incorporating humor and some happiness into our teaching career we reduce stress and burnout. Way to keep your PLN fun includes blogs, videos, podcasts, cartoons and more!

Check out this great example of a funny (but informative) teacher blog: