Technology Blog #1: Developing a Connected Learning Model
Chapter 2 of The Connected Educator: Learning and Leading in a Digital Age explores the differences between Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Personal Learning Networks (PLNs), and Communities of Practice (CoPs). Professional Learning Communities are groups of professionals who seek to gain more skills and improve themselves through collaboration. Personal Learning Networks are more personal and allow others to learn online—for example, through social media, blogs, and wikis. Communities of Practice focus on gaining more knowledge and improving skills by meeting online and offline to share their passions or goals. However, it also highlights how technology is the reason we can now connect so easily and learn together, even with people across the world . In Chapter 2, the author gives examples of teachers utilizing PLCs, PLNs, and CoPs to grow and improve with others. For instance, one teacher used RSS feeds and Twitter to make connections, which helped h...