My Focused PLN
To determine which online learning network was the best fit, I explored Apple Teacher, ISTE Professional Learning Networks, and Microsoft Educators Community. While I would be interested in Google Educators, my district does not support google at this time. Each learning network offered a wide range of resources and features that would be helpful to an educator at any stage of their career.
ISTE: The drawing feature of ISTE site for me was the interactive, community feel of the platform. It appeared to be a space where connecting with likeminded teachers around the world would be very easy. The topics and resources seemed to support the mindset and theory around technology and how it could be integrated into the classroom without focusing on a specific brand. I liked this holistic and theory based approach. However, the downside is that unlike Apple and Microsoft, in order to join the ISTE learning network, you must pay an annual fee of $85. Without this payment, I was unable to see samples of what my membership would allow me to be a part of. While the little I could see looked appealing, I was unwilling to pay the membership and decided to opt for a free option instead.
Microsoft: The Microsoft Educators community was overflowing with free tutorials, resources and products to support educators. There are educator programs to learn about specific applications and engaging stem lessons for use in the classroom. While I found some great resources on this page, a downside was that the site was not as easy to navigate and I had trouble getting back to pages I had previously viewed. Additionally, from what I explored, the site is all resources but does not have a forum feature where teachers can connect with one another and share their experiences.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/educator-center/?source=mec
Apple: I was immediately drawn to the Apple Teacher community because of the easy to use layout, and abundance of relevant and specific tutorials and information. My district uses apple technology such as Macbooks and iPads so the information is relevant to my current teaching situation. I especially enjoyed learning more about the coding programs available such as Everyone Can Code and Swift Playground. Unlike the Microsoft learning network, Apple also provides a forum for members to connect with one another. Based on the free materials, relevance to my teaching situation and forum to connect with other teachers, the Apple Teacher learning network seemed like the best fit for me.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI have a similar list - I was drawn to both Microsoft and Apple because they're networks that are used in my district. They both offer a number of useful resources that can be used with students, and the familiarity of the tools is what reeled me in. The ISTE network however, was one that didn't make my list, simply because of the annual fee. I think the Microsoft and Apple networks offer a variety of resources and professional development opportunities...and for free! I think this is always a bonus.
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteLike you and Harmeet, I feel Microsoft offers quite a bit of value. I was frustrated with the layout of the other platforms - Why are there no menus or immediate search bars? But with ISTE I didn't make it far. You say you "could see a little bit" of that site? How far did you make it? I could only do a couple of clicks before hitting the $85 wall. I'm sure that because of the fee there's a lot of useful material - at least I hope there would be - but how to know? Surely they could give even a 1/3 lesson plan example or outlines. Something as a "try before you buy".