RSA#1  Fighting Teacher Isolation With Technology

http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2013/05/28/tln_magiera_platforms.html?qs=PLC

This is an excellent article on how a teacher can enhance a PLC with technology.  From our readings, PLC’s main point is how teachers should collaborate with each other and not isolate themselves in their teachings.  In the article, Work Together Only If You Want To  (DuFour 2011), DuFour states that many teacher teach in isolation from each other and view their classrooms as personal domains with very little access to others for collaboration or ideas or strategies.  And this is the way they like it!  Nevertheless, this is not what is in the best interests of students.

In this article Jennie Magiera states that many teachers do engage in PLC’s but with overcrowded schedules it sometimes is difficult to find the time. She suggests using technology for a virtual PLC.  One of the platforms she talks about is Twitter for the on the go teacher.  You can follow educators for bite size information, peruse links from well know educators, and use hash tags to organize the people or PLC’s.

Another great way to collaborate is through CTQ Collaboratory, which is a virtual community for educators.  This platform allows teachers from around the world to team up to learn from each other on issues such as grading, classroom, to changing grade levels.  In addition, group chats and wikis are available for mentorship and support.

Two other platforms talked about are Pinterest, and Google Hangout.  All of these are some fantastic ways to kick start your PLC’s on the go, and anytime.

References:

Magiera, Jennie. (May 29,2013). Fighting Teacher Isolation with Technology.

Education Weekly Teacher. Retrieved from    http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2013/05/28/tln_magiera_platforms.html?qs=

DuFour, Rick. (2011).  Work Together Only If You Want To.

Kappan Magazine. 92 (5), 57.