Menu

Weaving the fabric of professional development

In the 21st century using technology

By Patricia Chesbro
February 2010
Networked learning supported by 21-century technology is reweaving the fabric of how educators acquire and create new knowledge. At the Alaska Educational Innovations Network (AEIN), we believe this has the potential to change how a profession looks at professional development. No longer will exchange of ideas be limited by time, distance, and local community. We have learned that using technology to support networks around a shared purpose enhances professional development and provides fertile ground for professional learning communities. Carefully selected technological tools, in conjunction with skilled human facilitation, allow for diverse voices to emerge in a climate of trust and respect. Educators have access to the expertise that lies within a larger group. More importantly, the group’s combined wisdom creates new knowledge that both strengthens

Read the remaining content with membership access. Join or log in below to continue.

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.

Log In
   

References

Anklam, P. (2007). Net work: A practical guide to creating and sustaining networks at work and in the world. Burlington, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Jackson, D. & Temperley, J. (2007). From professional learning community to networked learning community. In L. Stoll & K.S. Louis, Professional learning communities: Divergence, depth & dilemmas (pp. 45-62). Berkshire: Open University Press.

Palmer, P.J. (1998). The courage to teach: Exploring the inner landscape of a teacher’s life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Wenger, E. (2006, June). Communities of practice: A brief introduction. Available at www.ewenger.com/theory/index.htm.


+ posts

Patricia Chesbro (afprc@uaa.alaska.edu) is director of the Alaska Educational Innovations Network. Nancy Boxler (annjb1@uaa.alaska.edu) is assistant director.


Search
The Learning Professional


Published Date

CURRENT ISSUE



  • Recent Issues

    EVALUATING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
    February 2024

    How do you know your professional learning is working? This issue digs...

    TAKING THE NEXT STEP
    December 2023

    Professional learning can open up new roles and challenges and help...

    REACHING ALL LEARNERS
    October 2023

    Both special education and general education teachers need support to help...

    THE TIME DILEMMA
    August 2023

    Prioritizing professional learning time is an investment in educators and...

    Skip to content