My Focused PLN

I explored the following online professional learning networks and below is what I discovered about each network.

1. Microsoft Educators Community

2. Apple Teacher

3. Google Educators

4. ISTE Professional Learning Networks

Microsoft Educators Community:

The Microsoft Education Community provides courses that focus on integrating technology into teaching and how to use tools like OneNote, Teams, and Office 365. A teacher can receive free online professional development and training. Microsoft Educator can assist in bringing new skills to your classroom. The school district I work for, SD43 Coquitlam, uses the Microsoft platforms. To set up an account, I could sign in with my school district email and password. I logged into the Microsoft Educators community to explore what the network offers. I was impressed with the multiple webinars, support, resources the network offers, and professional growth opportunities for the platforms. The Learning Pathways section is based on inclusive, personalized, student-centred teaching and learning and blends remote and physical classrooms.

Google Educators:

I use a lot of Google applications at home through my course work using google docs, google calendar, Gmail, googles slides and google drive. At my son’s school, he uses Chrome books and the google classroom platform. I also used the google platform when I was teaching in the independent system. Google Educators has a lot of amazing resources for teachers, and I would use it as a PLN if it was supported by my school district.

Apple Teacher:

Apple Teacher offers educators a free professional learning network to provide support, teaching and learning opportunities to increase their knowledge of Mac and iPad devices and create more interactive learning experiences. Apple Teacher also gives tips and tricks for holding remote lessons. Teachers can learn about creating interactive worksheets, improving reading fluency, and various other skills. I love Apple devices for my personal and at-home use. The Apple Teacher platform did not seem to offer a lot of information. I found courses offered in Foundational Skills and Lesson Integration. Maybe if you sign in and create an account, there are more courses offered.

ISTE Professional Learning Networks:

The ISTE Professional Learning Network qualities reassembled most closely the PLN we have been learning about in this module. ISTE offered courses in Computational Thinking, Digital Citizenship, Equity Inclusion and Accessibility, Global Collaboration and Learning, Online Learning, STEM and Teacher Education. I would explore this network further and include the PLN I am developing.

References: Apple Inc. (2021). Education - K-12 - Apple Teacher. Retrieved from Apple website: https://www.apple.com/education/k12/apple-teacher/ Cook, R. J., Jones-Bromenshenkel, M., Huisinga, S., & Mullins, F. (2017). Online Professional Learning Networks: A Viable Solution to the Professional Development Dilemma. Journal of Special Education Technology, 32(2), 109–118. https://doi.org/10.1177/0162643417696930 Google. (2021). Teacher Center. Retrieved from Google for Education website: https://edu.google.com/teacher-center/?modal_active=none International Society for Technology in Education. (2019). Professional Learning Networks - ISTE Connect. Retrieved from Iste.org website: https://connect.iste.org/community/learningnetworks ​ Microsoft. (2021). Microsoft Educator Center. Retrieved from Microsoft Educator Center website: https://education.microsoft.com/en-us