Comments on: Do You Really Need a Personal Learning Network? http://pwoessner.com/2009/01/11/do-you-really-need-a-personal-learning-network/ Teaching, Learning and Technology Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:26:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: PLN for SID/PID Teachers? « The Life That Chose Me http://pwoessner.com/2009/01/11/do-you-really-need-a-personal-learning-network/comment-page-1/#comment-6908 PLN for SID/PID Teachers? « The Life That Chose Me Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:49:16 +0000 http://pwoessner.com/?p=683#comment-6908 [...] do you have one? Do you need one? Patrick Woessner does a good job of describing the current state of affairs in education. Few people know what it is, let alone have [...] [...] do you have one? Do you need one? Patrick Woessner does a good job of describing the current state of affairs in education. Few people know what it is, let alone have [...]

]]> By: pwoessner http://pwoessner.com/2009/01/11/do-you-really-need-a-personal-learning-network/comment-page-1/#comment-5537 pwoessner Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:49:45 +0000 http://pwoessner.com/?p=683#comment-5537 Julie, Bea, and Beth: AMEN! Your comments really resonated with me and I hope with others as well. As you collectively pointed out, this is not an 8-4 profession anymore, we need to stay current and employable, and a solid PLN can be a lifeline. I plan to keep pressing on and spreading the word; sounds like you will be doing the same. Cheers! Julie, Bea, and Beth: AMEN! Your comments really resonated with me and I hope with others as well. As you collectively pointed out, this is not an 8-4 profession anymore, we need to stay current and employable, and a solid PLN can be a lifeline. I plan to keep pressing on and spreading the word; sounds like you will be doing the same.

Cheers!

]]> By: Beth Still http://pwoessner.com/2009/01/11/do-you-really-need-a-personal-learning-network/comment-page-1/#comment-5509 Beth Still Wed, 21 Jan 2009 02:49:11 +0000 http://pwoessner.com/?p=683#comment-5509 I could not imagine being without my PLN anymore. I have only been part of a PLN since early in the summer, but over the last six months I have come to rely on them for so much. Two things stuck out as I read through the comments left here. First, John mentioned that he gets a lot more than he gives to his PLN. I felt the exact same way. There were a couple of very special people who mentored me to make sure I got off on the right foot. Now that I have some experience I am acting as a mentor. We all need help starting out, but then we end up teaching others. I also want to say that I am NOT a very patient person. I cannot for the life of me understand why the teachers I work with have not started engaging in conversations with people online. Vicki's comment about adoption taking 3 years has put my mind at ease. I am a early adopter, but my coworkers are not. I feel a little better now-------thanks Vicki. My PLN is my lifeline. I have experienced the scorn that Julie talked about. I resent comments from my coworkers about how they just don't have time to do the things I do online. (Nings, Twitter, blogging, learning about different apps). If I want to be the best I can be do I really have a choice? So glad I happened upon this blog. I am a subscriber now. I could not imagine being without my PLN anymore. I have only been part of a PLN since early in the summer, but over the last six months I have come to rely on them for so much.

Two things stuck out as I read through the comments left here. First, John mentioned that he gets a lot more than he gives to his PLN. I felt the exact same way. There were a couple of very special people who mentored me to make sure I got off on the right foot. Now that I have some experience I am acting as a mentor. We all need help starting out, but then we end up teaching others.

I also want to say that I am NOT a very patient person. I cannot for the life of me understand why the teachers I work with have not started engaging in conversations with people online. Vicki’s comment about adoption taking 3 years has put my mind at ease. I am a early adopter, but my coworkers are not. I feel a little better now——-thanks Vicki.

My PLN is my lifeline. I have experienced the scorn that Julie talked about. I resent comments from my coworkers about how they just don’t have time to do the things I do online. (Nings, Twitter, blogging, learning about different apps). If I want to be the best I can be do I really have a choice?

So glad I happened upon this blog. I am a subscriber now.

]]> By: Bea Cantor http://pwoessner.com/2009/01/11/do-you-really-need-a-personal-learning-network/comment-page-1/#comment-5505 Bea Cantor Wed, 21 Jan 2009 01:53:36 +0000 http://pwoessner.com/?p=683#comment-5505 I wonder why more teachers are not using a PLN improve their lessons and banks of resources, especially at this time. I am driving myself crazy doing whatever I can to be good at what I do so my name is not put on the list of possible cuts when the budget crunch gets worse. I don't presume to be indispensable, but I can't stop learning and become unemployable. I wonder why more teachers are not using a PLN improve their lessons and banks of resources, especially at this time. I am driving myself crazy doing whatever I can to be good at what I do so my name is not put on the list of possible cuts when the budget crunch gets worse. I don’t presume to be indispensable, but I can’t stop learning and become unemployable.

]]> By: Professional and Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) « InfoGeek Educator http://pwoessner.com/2009/01/11/do-you-really-need-a-personal-learning-network/comment-page-1/#comment-5369 Professional and Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) « InfoGeek Educator Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:02 +0000 http://pwoessner.com/?p=683#comment-5369 [...] So today I was surprised to read the title of Patrick Woessner’s recent post entitled Do I Really Need a Personal Learning Network? For me the answer was a resounding YES! Over the last two months I have connect with some of themst [...] [...] So today I was surprised to read the title of Patrick Woessner’s recent post entitled Do I Really Need a Personal Learning Network? For me the answer was a resounding YES! Over the last two months I have connect with some of themst [...]

]]> By: Julie Lindsay http://pwoessner.com/2009/01/11/do-you-really-need-a-personal-learning-network/comment-page-1/#comment-5326 Julie Lindsay Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:28:21 +0000 http://pwoessner.com/?p=683#comment-5326 The problem as I see it is with teachers not being connected or seeing the need to be connected in a professional sense. I am not talking about answering email, I am talking about being online and in an online working mode in order to take advantage of PLN opportunities. I still think most educators are scornful of their colleagues who have embraced online learning and enhanced connectivity and treat it as a malfunction or a personal weakness of not being able to leave the computer. However, we are not in a 8-4 time frame working scenario anymore. The top authors all write about this shift to a 24/7 style of working. Like it or not it is here and everyone needs to adjust and use it to their benefit, including using online tools to foster connectivity. The problem as I see it is with teachers not being connected or seeing the need to be connected in a professional sense. I am not talking about answering email, I am talking about being online and in an online working mode in order to take advantage of PLN opportunities. I still think most educators are scornful of their colleagues who have embraced online learning and enhanced connectivity and treat it as a malfunction or a personal weakness of not being able to leave the computer. However, we are not in a 8-4 time frame working scenario anymore. The top authors all write about this shift to a 24/7 style of working. Like it or not it is here and everyone needs to adjust and use it to their benefit, including using online tools to foster connectivity.

]]> By: pwoessner http://pwoessner.com/2009/01/11/do-you-really-need-a-personal-learning-network/comment-page-1/#comment-5322 pwoessner Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:23:21 +0000 http://pwoessner.com/?p=683#comment-5322 Thanks to all for the insightful comments. I'm with you in that changes (large and small) take time, but I still believe that need is a driving force (if not THE driving force), and until teachers NEED a PLN, most won't establish one. Time is such a precious commodity, and endeavors like building a PLN take time. Think about all the things we do each day, personally and professionally; what rises to the top of our priority lists--wants or needs? I'll see where my faculty (and the profession in general) is with this in another year, but I'll wager now that until and unless education as a system creates an environment where the PLN (or any other initiative) becomes essential to success in the classroom, the rate of change/adoption will be minimal. Thanks to all for the insightful comments. I’m with you in that changes (large and small) take time, but I still believe that need is a driving force (if not THE driving force), and until teachers NEED a PLN, most won’t establish one. Time is such a precious commodity, and endeavors like building a PLN take time.

Think about all the things we do each day, personally and professionally; what rises to the top of our priority lists–wants or needs?

I’ll see where my faculty (and the profession in general) is with this in another year, but I’ll wager now that until and unless education as a system creates an environment where the PLN (or any other initiative) becomes essential to success in the classroom, the rate of change/adoption will be minimal.

]]> By: Christine Hollingsworth http://pwoessner.com/2009/01/11/do-you-really-need-a-personal-learning-network/comment-page-1/#comment-5304 Christine Hollingsworth Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:39:38 +0000 http://pwoessner.com/?p=683#comment-5304 I agree with Vicki Davis- three years is the minimum time for projects, programs, or ideas to take root with the larger group. This is not limited to personal networks or integration into technology. The first year the early adopters will jump on it. The second year the early adopters spread the word and get others on board. By the third year, those who tend to resist change realize that "it is here to stay" and will only then make the decision to invest their time and energy. Those late to the game often plan it just that way, and end up reaping the benefits of the pioneers. I'd still rather be a pioneer if I have the choice. I agree with Vicki Davis- three years is the minimum time for projects, programs, or ideas to take root with the larger group. This is not limited to personal networks or integration into technology. The first year the early adopters will jump on it. The second year the early adopters spread the word and get others on board. By the third year, those who tend to resist change realize that “it is here to stay” and will only then make the decision to invest their time and energy. Those late to the game often plan it just that way, and end up reaping the benefits of the pioneers. I’d still rather be a pioneer if I have the choice.

]]> By: Vicki Davis http://pwoessner.com/2009/01/11/do-you-really-need-a-personal-learning-network/comment-page-1/#comment-5292 Vicki Davis Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:54:14 +0000 http://pwoessner.com/?p=683#comment-5292 I am totally convinced that it takes at least three years and 5-6 exposures before teachers start integrating this into their classroom. I did a workshop at my own school 3 years a go and when are they integrating technology -- NOW! Not after the workshop, not the next year - not even the next -- beginning of the third year and we're starting to see substantial change. Give it time. It happens with leadership, encouragement, and exposure. I've also found that our teachers change when they see the students asking for it. It takes time -- look how far you've come! If you get the magic recipe for quick change - let me know, but I've never seen it happen! I am totally convinced that it takes at least three years and 5-6 exposures before teachers start integrating this into their classroom. I did a workshop at my own school 3 years a go and when are they integrating technology — NOW! Not after the workshop, not the next year – not even the next — beginning of the third year and we’re starting to see substantial change.

Give it time. It happens with leadership, encouragement, and exposure. I’ve also found that our teachers change when they see the students asking for it.

It takes time — look how far you’ve come! If you get the magic recipe for quick change – let me know, but I’ve never seen it happen!

]]> By: Matt Montagne http://pwoessner.com/2009/01/11/do-you-really-need-a-personal-learning-network/comment-page-1/#comment-5282 Matt Montagne Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:46:08 +0000 http://pwoessner.com/?p=683#comment-5282 Hi Patrick, Excellent write-up here...like you said, there has to be a reason for a personal network. I suppose if you teach american history and you've been pretty good at it, you might not see a reason to be connecting with somebody from the moon. It is a bit sobering to read about the effects of the extensive professional development that you've done and the yet-to-be-seen effect. I heard someone lamenting on a network somewhere that their school has brought in Alan Levine like 10 times over the years, yet the instructional/learning experience still is pretty much the same (teacher led, teacher-centric, etc). I have a hunch that at some point every other industry will be working from outerspace, but K12 will still be photo-copying class handouts (or worse yet, posting them on a website for students to print out) and haggling over whether or not we should have 50 or 60 minute teaching blocks for our schedules. ~Matt Hi Patrick,
Excellent write-up here…like you said, there has to be a reason for a personal network. I suppose if you teach american history and you’ve been pretty good at it, you might not see a reason to be connecting with somebody from the moon.

It is a bit sobering to read about the effects of the extensive professional development that you’ve done and the yet-to-be-seen effect. I heard someone lamenting on a network somewhere that their school has brought in Alan Levine like 10 times over the years, yet the instructional/learning experience still is pretty much the same (teacher led, teacher-centric, etc).

I have a hunch that at some point every other industry will be working from outerspace, but K12 will still be photo-copying class handouts (or worse yet, posting them on a website for students to print out) and haggling over whether or not we should have 50 or 60 minute teaching blocks for our schedules.

~Matt

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