Comments on: PLN for the Masses http://brunsell.edublogs.org/2008/01/26/pln-for-the-masses/ Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:19:57 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 hourly 1 By: Scott Schwister http://brunsell.edublogs.org/2008/01/26/pln-for-the-masses/comment-page-1/#comment-6 Scott Schwister Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:05:51 +0000 http://brunsell.edublogs.org/2008/01/26/pln-for-the-masses/#comment-6 Eric, thanks for composing such a thoughtful post. I think you're asking important questions here, and taking solid steps toward a framework on which to build a PLN approach. No need to sport that Captain Obvious cape. . . I don't think any of this is obvious, and everyone's trying to chart a course through it just as you are. I like your mention of the 4D model for its simplicity and directness, and the constructivist approach you bring to thinking about professional development. When working with teachers, it's essential to take an approach that is consonant with what we know to be true about teaching and learning. In other words, static sit & get lecture-style workshops don't fly very well, but it's incredible how pervasive that approach still is. Anyway, I think we're all still, as you say, messing around, toying with PLN professional development models, trying ideas on for size. And the need will soon arise for evidence supporting the efficacy of one PD framework vs. another. I think we'll see some attempts soon to formalize and pilot PLN-focused PD initiatives. What I'd really like to see is a PLN-powered approach to developing said PD model. Work together through our networks rather than in old-school individual projects. I'm looking forward to reading more about your framework ideas. Eric, thanks for composing such a thoughtful post. I think you’re asking important questions here, and taking solid steps toward a framework on which to build a PLN approach. No need to sport that Captain Obvious cape. . . I don’t think any of this is obvious, and everyone’s trying to chart a course through it just as you are.

I like your mention of the 4D model for its simplicity and directness, and the constructivist approach you bring to thinking about professional development. When working with teachers, it’s essential to take an approach that is consonant with what we know to be true about teaching and learning. In other words, static sit & get lecture-style workshops don’t fly very well, but it’s incredible how pervasive that approach still is. Anyway, I think we’re all still, as you say, messing around, toying with PLN professional development models, trying ideas on for size. And the need will soon arise for evidence supporting the efficacy of one PD framework vs. another. I think we’ll see some attempts soon to formalize and pilot PLN-focused PD initiatives. What I’d really like to see is a PLN-powered approach to developing said PD model. Work together through our networks rather than in old-school individual projects.

I’m looking forward to reading more about your framework ideas.

]]> By: Michele Martin http://brunsell.edublogs.org/2008/01/26/pln-for-the-masses/comment-page-1/#comment-5 Michele Martin Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:22:17 +0000 http://brunsell.edublogs.org/2008/01/26/pln-for-the-masses/#comment-5 Eric, I think you're right on the money here. This is something that I've been doing a lot of thinking about lately as I look at how to help people use new technology for ongoing professional development. I think that those of us who are online right now are in a qualitatively different place than those who are coming up behind us and I'm not sure that the ways that we learned this stuff will apply. I like your constructivist breakdown--it's where my head's been going and it helps me clarify some of what I'm trying to accomplish. Good post! Eric, I think you’re right on the money here. This is something that I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about lately as I look at how to help people use new technology for ongoing professional development. I think that those of us who are online right now are in a qualitatively different place than those who are coming up behind us and I’m not sure that the ways that we learned this stuff will apply. I like your constructivist breakdown–it’s where my head’s been going and it helps me clarify some of what I’m trying to accomplish. Good post!

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