April+27


 * // Productivity Tools and Professional Learning Networks //** Discover how to stay organized, save time, and learn from colleagues near and far by creating your own professional learning network.toc

The Big Picture

 * National Ed Tech Plan 2010 recommends the development of learning networks for both students and teachers.**



+


 * So what does a networked teacher look like?**



//Image used under a Creative Commons License.// //Created by Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano: Langwitches [|www.langwitches.org/blog]// //Globally Connected Learning [|www.globallyconnectedlearning.com]// //[|Langwitches-21st century learning and teaching]// //[]//

**Creating your network**
delicious or @diigo
 * Organizing your resources online:**

@Twitter edmodo - microblogging in the classroom - easy to share files, assignments, etc. too
 * Your just-in-time support network:**

Macul Space Classroom 2.0 Discovery Educator Network
 * Online Community:**

Productivity Utilities
YouConvertIt
 * File Format Converter**

Dropbox
 * Remote File Storage (and file sharing)**

Did you know? You can use Google Docs to store, share, collaborate and convert files too!

Jing
 * Screen Capture and Screen Casting Utility**

Real Player KeepVid
 * Video Capture Utility**

Read more about building a PLN
Nuts and Bolts: Building a Personal Learning Network Jane Bozarth writes:“Simply showing up is not enough. As with most things in life, you get back what you put in. If you want to build a Personal Learning Network, then you must be an active part of that network; it’s not a spectator sport.”

Online learning is so last year... Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach writes: "It is becoming ever apparent to me that those of us who are online learning prefer networks. Networks like we have on Twitter or other electronic spaces where we can share short snips of conversations and where our ideas are met with like minded support and agreement. The advantages of networking are many. And do not get me wrong- I am a huge fan. I believe //Personal Learning Networks// are one of the three prongs necessary to be a do it yourself learner in today’s world. But for all the positive connections, laughter, links, and ideas that networks bring, they only are the tip of what is needed to produce lasting change. I do not have to commit to anything when I network. I can be witty or not and still be part of the “cool kids”. Networks are very “me” centered in that I choose my mentors, feeds, resources, learning objects and those with whom I will learn. I am in control. I can be very visible and yet still quite passive in my learning. I can talk and talk and talk and never have to walk or put action to my ideas. I even get my need for belonging met (Maslow) and self esteem. And sometimes I meet others and from there we create a community where we do act collectively. For me, that is the key. If all I do is network I do not shift or grow because I am missing the opportunity to go deep and actually learn by doing. **It takes both: Networks and Community.** Online, global communities of practice and f2f learning communities in my local context."

Evaluation