Using digital tools for developing
Personal Learning Networks
Sally Mattson & Anna Lloyd
Who are you?
A. I’m a teacher.
B. I’m a co‐ordinator/director of studies.
C. I’m a learner.
D. I’m a parent.
Using digital tools for developing
Personal Learning Networks
Sally Mattson & Anna Lloyd
Section 1
What is a PLN?
A Personal Learning Network is …
What is a PLN?
A Personal Learning Network is …
‘… an informal learning network that consists of the people a learner interacts with and derives knowledge from.’
Wikipedia
What is a PLN?
What is a PLN?
© aelitta
• YOU create it.• YOU develop it.• YOU maintain it.
What is a PLN?
It is YOUR network.
• people• knowledge• learning opportunities
What is a PLN?
A ‘connected educator’ has access to:
PLN theory: Connectivism
‘a learning theory for the digital age’
‘the connections that enable us to learn more are more important than our current state of knowing.’
George Siemens, 2005.
Knowing how to find out:
PLN theory: Connectivism
‘a learning theory for the digital age’
‘the connections that enable us to learn more are more important than our current state of knowing.’
George Siemens, 2005.
‘… knowledge is distributed across a network of connections, and therefore that learning consists of the ability to construct and traverse those networks.’
Stephen Downes, 2007.
Knowing how to find out: Knowledge in the network:
PLN theory: Connectivism
‘a learning theory for the digital age’
Benefits of a PLNTaking control of your own professional development and being part of a global community
‘a group of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do, and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.’
Etienne Wenger‐Trayner
Benefits of a PLN
Being part of an online ELT ‘Community of Practice’:
Learning is socialLearning is social
NetworkNetworkCommunityCommunity
Benefits of a PLN
Benefits of a PLN
Share content
Create and share own content
Develop a good reputation
Benefits of a PLN
A PLN contains a whole world of knowledge outside your own context.
© Macrovector
Navigating the social media environment
Section 2
© ra2studio
Which social media sites do you use in your professional life?
A. Facebook
B. Twitter
C. YouTube
D. LinkedIn
E. Other
Navigating the social media environment
PLN = online networking = social networks
https://www.facebook.com/TeachDigital/
Navigating the social media environment
@CambridgeEnglish
Navigating the social media environment
300 hours of video is uploaded to YouTube every minute!
YouTube
youtube.com/user/cambridgeenglishtv
Navigating the social media environment
Navigating the social media environment
Navigating the social media environment
Online resources for learning
Section 3
Online resources for learning
What is a PLE?
‘the tools, artefacts, processes, and physical connections that allow learners to control and manage their learning.’
Alec Couros, 2010
Online resources for learning
Personal Learning Environment:
Online resources for learning
Blogging
Online resources for learning
Online resources for learning
What is a MOOC?
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC):• unlimited participants• open to all• often free – but sometimes payment for extras, e.g. a tutor or to receive a certificate
• course materials and support provided
Online resources for learning
Online resources for learning
Popular MOOC providers:• FutureLearn• Coursera • EdX• Udacity• Canvas Network
Online resources for learning
• #ELTchinwag• #mfltwitterati
Online resources for learning
Online interaction
Section 4
Online interaction
Poll: Which of these is NOT a real word related to online interaction?
A. Netiquette
B. Capping
C. Flaming
D. Trolling
Connecting
Communicating
Intercultural awareness
1
2
3
Sharing
Thinking critically
Creating and sharing your own content
4
5
6
7
Adding value
Online interaction
Connecting
Communicating
Intercultural awareness
1
2
3
Sharing
Thinking critically
Creating and sharing your own content
4
5
6
7
Adding value
Online interaction
Daniel, thanks for letting me know about Wednesday’s class. MAKE SURE YOU USE ENGLISH TO TELL ME THESE THINGS IN FUTURE PLEASE!
Sorry but I was in a hurry. I didn’t have time to write in English.
Connecting
Communicating
Intercultural awareness
1
2
3
Sharing
Thinking critically
Creating and sharing your own content
4
5
6
7
Adding value
Online interaction
Connecting
Communicating
Intercultural awareness
1
2
3
Sharing
Thinking critically
Creating and sharing your own content
4
5
6
7
Adding value
Online interaction
Connecting
Communicating
Intercultural awareness
1
2
3
Sharing
Thinking critically
Creating and sharing your own content
4
5
6
7
Adding value
Online interaction
Connecting
Communicating
Intercultural awareness
1
2
3
Sharing
Thinking critically
Creating and sharing your own content
4
5
6
7
Adding value
Online interaction
Connecting
Communicating
Intercultural awareness
1
2
3
Sharing
Thinking critically
Creating and sharing your own content
4
5
6
7
Adding value
Online interaction
Getting organised and getting started
Section 5
Getting organised and getting started
Have you already started building a PLN? How did you get started?
Please share some tips in the chatbox.
Areas to consider:• setting up sites, accounts and profiles• online help and support• start a blog• share posts on Twitter/Facebook
Getting organised and getting started
Find ELT pages; choose some content to follow.
Create a profile, e.g.English language teacher from ‘country’, interested in …
Getting organised and getting started
Join Facebook and Twitter
Get up and running:
• watch and learn• investigate• start sharing• follow• say ‘hello’ – introduce yourself to a group
Getting organised and getting started
© Fer Gregory
Getting organised and getting started
Organise your learning:
• find• save• share
Quick start guide1. Create an account on Twitter and create your profile;
add your role and your teaching context.2. Follow others, e.g. @CambridgeEng @CambridgeUPELT
@eltchat.3. Read some tweets and ‘retweet’ something you like.4. Create an account on Facebook and add some profile
information.5. Like/follow some relevant Facebook pages, e.g.
Cambridge English, IATEFL and Blog Posts of Teachers of English.
Getting organised and getting started
Our aim today
Explore:
• key questions
• practical tips
Join in!
InvestigateInvestigate
Connect Connect
Share Share CommunicateCommunicate
LearnLearn
Further information
The Digital Teacher
• Test your digital skills to find your starting point and decide on a direction for your digital CPD
• Free bite‐size training
thedigitalteacher.com
NEW
• Decide which digital products are right for you
• Explore the latest digital ideas and trends
The Digital Teacher Facebook page
facebook.com/TeachDigital
NEW
A community of practice for teachers who want to develop digital skills and follow the latest digital ideas and trends.
Teaching English
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For new and experienced teachers
Teaching qualifications
Helps you assess which stage you are at in your professional development and work out where you want to get to next
Teaching Framework
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Further information
University of CambridgeCambridge English Language Assessment1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, UKTel: +44 (0)1223 553997Fax: +44 (0)1223 553621Email: [email protected]
Keep up to date with what’s new via the Cambridge English Language Assessment website:www.cambridgeenglish.org
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Understanding digital welfare and e‐safety 25 and 27 September