Module 3 Application 2

Expanding My Personal Learning Network: A Pathway to Professional Growth

Mr. Jossie Gallizia

Department of Education, American College of Education – ACE Online

DL5763 – Trends in Instructional Design

Dr. Penny Christensen

September 6, 2024

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Expanding My Personal Learning Network: A Pathway to Professional Growth

In the ever-evolving field of education, staying connected with peers, mentors, and experts is crucial for continuous professional development. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by cultivating a robust Personal Learning Network (PLN). Unlike traditional learning models, PLNs are flexible, self-directed, and tailored to individual needs, making them essential for educators looking to stay current and foster collaboration. Here’s a look into my current PLN, the benefits it offers, and my plans for expansion.

My Current PLN: A Diverse Web of Resources

My PLN currently includes platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, Udemy, Canvas Network, and Facebook. Each of these platforms offers unique opportunities for professional growth:

YouTube: A treasure trove of educational videos and webinars, YouTube has been instrumental in enhancing my instructional strategies. Channels like Khan Academy and TED-Ed provide valuable insights that I regularly integrate into my teaching.

LinkedIn: Beyond professional networking, LinkedIn has connected me with groups focused on differentiated instruction. Engaging with these groups has directly influenced my lesson planning, leading to increased student engagement and improved academic performance.

Udemy: By enrolling in self-paced courses, I continuously expand my skills in instructional design and other educational fields. Udemy’s extensive library of courses allows me to pursue specific learning goals at my own pace.

Canvas Network: This platform offers open online courses in collaboration with universities, focusing on higher education. Engaging in these courses and discussions keeps me abreast of the latest trends and best practices in education.

Facebook: Participating in educator groups on Facebook, such as “Instructional Designers,” provides a space to share resources and discuss teaching strategies with a broader community.

Expanding My PLN: New Opportunities for Growth

To further enhance my professional development, I plan to expand my PLN by joining the following platforms:

ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education): At ISTE, I aim to participate in webinars and contribute to discussions on technology integration in education. This will help me stay updated on educational technology trends and connect with tech-savvy educators.

Edutopia: Known for its rich content on innovative teaching practices, Edutopia will be a valuable addition to my PLN. I plan to engage with articles and videos that showcase best practices, which I can then apply in my instructional design.

TeachThought: This platform focuses on critical thinking, student engagement, and innovative teaching methods. By participating in professional development courses and engaging with their blog and podcast series, I hope to refine my instructional strategies and address modern educational challenges.

The Benefits of Belonging to a PLN

Belonging to a PLN offers numerous benefits that extend beyond just information sharing. Here are some of the key advantages:

Access to Up-to-Date Information: My PLN keeps me informed about the latest educational practices and technologies, ensuring that I remain relevant in my field.
Collaboration and Community Support: PLNs foster a sense of community where I can connect with peers and experts for feedback, share experiences, and receive guidance on various challenges. For instance, feedback from peers in the Canvas Network has been invaluable in refining my lesson plans.
Customized Learning: A PLN allows for personalized learning experiences tailored to my specific needs and interests, enhancing my effectiveness as an educator.
Convenient and Flexible Learning: The flexibility of PLNs means I can engage in professional development at my own pace, balancing continuous learning with my other professional responsibilities.

Conclusion

Maintaining and expanding my Personal Learning Network is a continuous journey that significantly contributes to my professional development. By connecting with a global network of educators and accessing diverse resources, I can stay informed, collaborate effectively, and consistently improve my teaching practices. Expanding my PLN to include platforms like ISTE, Edutopia, and TeachThought will not only support my goals as an educator but also enrich the learning experiences I provide to my students.

As educators, we must recognize the transformative power of PLNs and actively seek opportunities to grow these networks. By doing so, we can enhance our skills, connect with like-minded professionals, and ultimately, make a greater impact in our classrooms.

References

Canvas Network. (n.d.). Canvas Network. https://www.canvas.net

Edutopia. (n.d.). Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org

Facebook. (n.d.). Facebook. https://www.facebook.com

Goria, C., Konstantinidis, A., Kilvinski, B., & Dogan, B. E. (2019). Personal learning environments and personal learning networks for language teachers’ professional development. In C. N. Giannikas, E. Kakoulli Constantinou, & S. Papadima-Sophocleous (Eds.), Professional development in CALL: A selection of papers (pp. 87-99). Research-publishing.net.

Haas, M. R. C., Haley, K., Nagappan, B. S., Ankel, F., Swaminathan, A., & Santen, S. A. (2020). The connected educator: Personal learning networks. The Clinical Teacher, 17(4), 373-377.

International Society for Technology in Education. (n.d.). ISTE. https://www.iste.org

Javorcik, T., & Polasek, R. (2019). Practical application of microlearning in education of future teachers. In Proceedings of the European Conference on e-Learning (pp. 254-259).

LinkedIn. (n.d.). LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com

TeachThought. (n.d.). TeachThought. https://www.teachthought.com

Tipton, S. (2022). Small-scale learning can reap big rewards: Myths about microlearning are preventing the modality from being as effective as it can be. TD: Talent Development, 36-41.

Udemy. (n.d.). Udemy. https://www.udemy.com

Vasquez, S. (2020). Developing an online learning environment for community college students enrolled in human anatomy & physiology and microbiology courses amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic Journal for Research in Science & Mathematics Education, 24(3), 53-59.

YouTube. (n.d.). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com

Winger, A. (2018). Supersized tips for implementing microlearning in macro ways. Distance Learning, 15(4), 51-54.

About the Author

Jossie Gallizia (known as Mr. G) is a transformative educator and the visionary behind Trailblazer Academy Consultant Services. Overcoming intellectual disabilities such as autism, dyslexia, and ADHD, Jossie has dedicated 19 years to empowering learners and closing achievement gaps. His journey from adversity in West Africa to becoming a leader in education fuels his passion for creating inclusive, innovative learning environments.

Author of “Solved Autism: Transforming Disability into Genius” and “Spiritual Evolution, A Journey for Everyone,” Jossie is committed to unlocking the potential of every student. His work in the Dallas Independent School District and Uplift Education has dramatically improved outcomes for students with special needs. Through his math and behavior management systems, Jossie continues to inspire educators and uplift communities worldwide.