Professional Learning Networks
I’m fortunate enough to work in a large district with more than 20 ELA teachers in my department (for grades 10-12). They have always been my go-to people when I need some ideas or to make sure my own ideas make sense. But not everybody has that. Here are some PLNs that I have recently joined, and, in hindsight, wish I has stumbled upon sooner.
Edutopia – This was a safe bet and one I was already familiar with. I’ve gone here countless times for ideas or support, but I never actually signed up to be a member. Once you start looking around you realize how vast the information really is. This has proven a great resource to use as a student also – there are plenty of reliable sources.
The Current – This is so far awesome! As an ELA teacher, they got me at “hello” or the fact that they teamed up with National Writing Project whose goal is “to improve writing and learning for all learners.” And if that wasn’t enough, they are an “engaging space for tech-forward instruction.” This PLN not only covers my content area, but also digital learning/tech based area. There is so much info here, I hardly know where to begin.
Google Classroom is also an amazing PLN that I am beginning to play with and have big plans to incorporate into my classroom this year. Our district recently bought Chrome Books so we are slowly integrating these into our classrooms. The students love the idea of having laptops readily available and seem more engaged just with the idea of something new and innovative.