What is a PLC ? Professional Learning Community
Professional Learning Communities (PLC) is a term developed and explored by Richard Dufour. It outlines some essential mechanisms and big ideas about what teachers should believe, how they should connect and how their work should focus on student learning.
PLC's are considered an approach or process rather than a model of professional learning. Key characteristics include: shared values and vision, collaborative culture, focused on improving student learning outcomes, supportive and shared leadership, and shared professional practice. In the Ontario educational context, direction for PLC's is explored in Professional Learning Communities: A Model for Ontario Schools. PLC's are foundational approaches for collaborative teacher inquiry and teacher learning and leadership program. |
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Learn more about what makes a PLC effective in education - Dr. Steven Katz: What Makes a PLC Effective?
What is a PLN? Personal Learning Network
Personal and/or professional learning networks are about making connections and building relationships with people or organizations that can answer questions, provoke your thinking, encourage you when things are difficult, or simply chat with when you have something to share. The focus in a PLN is on learning - yours, theirs, collectively gaining expertise. The network is local, regional, national or global in nature. Building your PLN is an essential tool for those new to the profession of education, or new to a grade, district, position or responsibility. Managing and updating your PLN regularly is one way to ensure you can connect, find and be supported throughout your learning journey.
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- Creating your PLN, Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything - http://www.schrockguide.net/creating-your-pln.html
- What is a PLN? OR, PLE vs PLN, posted by A. Couros, Dec. 19, 2008.
- Edublogs, Steps to Building a PLN
What is a PLE? Personal and Professional Learning Environments
Personal and professional learning environments are the connected tools and resources you rely on to do your 'work' of teaching and/or learning. These tools and resources are immediately available in your context and environment. One image it includes laboratory, watering hole, campfire, cave and show-off.
Think about all the tools you would use in each of these types of learning spaces. Create your PLE with these learning spaces in mind, using MINDOMO. Try to insert images for the specific tools you use in the physical or digital spaces. |
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Educause - 7 things you should know about Personal Learning Environments - https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7049.pdf
LMS vs PLE, presented by Stephen Downes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDwcCJncyiw
LMS vs PLE, presented by Stephen Downes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDwcCJncyiw
Creating YOUR PLN, PLE image using Mindomo
Using these two samples as a model for a PLN/PLE image, take some time to create a personal learning network for your teaching practice as it looks today. You can add any and all connections, organizations, interests and digital tools your are currently applying to your teaching & learning. Use a concept mapping tool such as Mindomo to help you visualize your PLN and PLE.
References and Resources
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