Professional Learning Networks for Social Work
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This workshop will inform participants about the mechanics as well as the advantages and disadvantages of professional learning networks (PLN), both as a scholar and in the classroom. A professional learning network (also known as a personalized learning network) includes technology-based tools and processes used by a social worker to stay up-to-date and share information about current news, practice knowledge and the latest research findings. Participants will learn how to establish and grow their own PLN, integrate PLNs into a classroom or curriculum, and appreciate how the theory of Connectivism (Siemens, 2005) informs the practice of PLNs. Professional learning networks (PLN) include tech-based tools and processes used by social workers to stay current and share information about news, practice knowledge and research findings. Participants will learn how to establish their own PLN, integrate PLNs into a classroom, and appreciate how theory informs the practice of PLNs.
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Professional Learning Networks for Social Work
- 1. Laurel Iverson Hitchcock, PhD University of Alabama at Birmingham Melanie Sage, PhD University of North Dakota Nancy J. Smyth, PhD University at Buffalo
- 2. Objectives 3. Appreciate the role of theory in adopting technology tools for social work practice 1. Describe what a Professional Learning Network (PLN) is and why to use one 2. Demonstrate how to create your own PLN
- 3. Why? - Life-long or Career Learning - Ethical practice for Social Workers - Rapid pace of change requires active strategies to stay up-to-date “Why Have a Professional Learning Network?” Self-Reflection on Current Strategies - What topics do you need to stay abreast of? - How do you current keep up on new developments? - When you need to know something, to whom to you go?
- 4. What’s in your PLN?
- 5. “Whats” of a Professional Learning Network in Digital Spaces What? - Technology-based tools & processes to network, disseminate and stay informed - Building professional relationships in digital spaces Examples - Following a local NASW Chapter Facebook Page - Table of Content Alerts from a Journal - Participating in a educational technology Facebook Group
- 6. USING THEORY WHEN DEVELOPING A PLN Social Learning Social presence is key • Imitation and reinforcement • Socialization helps with identity development • Use of videos, social media, avatars, discussion boards can help reinforce social presence • Group work • Active/collaborative learning, performing for public audience Digital Literacy understand, share and create meaning with different kinds of technology and media: • Understand the range of ways that social media could be used within professional practice • Respecting and promoting ethical practice • Participate in a variety of platforms • Skills to create professional content • Share content appropriately Connectivism/Connected Learning learner is fast paced and connections are needed for lifelong learning • Non-human tools can promote learning • Ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts; peers and practitioners • Decision-making about what to learn is a key learning process • Academic learning can occur outside the classroom Communities of Practice learners have a tribe: • Collective competence and willingness to learn from others • Engaged in contributing to the collective knowledge and resources • Sustained and consistent interaction • Professional topics
- 7. Steps to Creating a PLN 1. What do you want to learn? 2. How do you want to participate? 3. What digital tools do you want to use? 4. How will you manage it? 5. How will you connect it with your face-to-face network?
- 8. How do I want to participate? QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY DIVERSITY SHARING
- 9. What digital tools should I use? Podcasts Facebook Twitter Blog LinkedIN
- 10. How do I manage it? BALANCE REFLECTION LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION
- 11. Connecting your Digital and Face-to-Face Network • Use digital tools to build your relationships • Engage your face-to-face colleagues on digital platforms • Connect with digital colleagues in person
- 12. Nancy’s Professional Learning Network RSS Feed Reader Content discovery: nonprofits, virtual worlds, management, higher ed, SW, social media health/behavioral health FB Facebook - NADD Deans/Directors Group -Connect w/Alums Twitter - Connect w/SW Community - Content discovery: Social Innovation, Business, Nonprofits, #EdTech, SW Google+ Communities - #SWTech Community - Rheingold course alumni (online collaboration/trends) LinkedIn - Connect with alums, students, colleagues NADD Listserv BPD Listserv - Trends and issues, best practices E-Newsletters - Content Discovery
- 13. Laurel’s Professional Learning Network #MacroSW Online Community Professional Blog Teaching and Learning in Social Work TWITTER Relationship Building & Sharing with Students & Colleagues Social Work & Technology Google+ Community Online Community #SWTech LinkedIn Relationship Building & Sharing with Students, Colleagues & Alums
- 14. Melanie’s Professional Learning Network You Tube husITa/tech groups Relationship building, developing expertise FB Facebook Personal/professional relationship building (people I’d invite over for dinner) T Twitter Professional relationship building, research dissemination, reputation management BPD Listserv IV-E Listserv Learning about trends and issues CSWE Councils Leadership development, professional knowledge
- 15. What to Learn - Defining your Learning Eco Map What are your professional goals? What do you do? What do you need to learn? What do you want to learn? Who are you as a learner?
- 16. Resources Hitchcock, L. I. (2015, July 2). Personal Learning Networks for Social Workers. Retrieved from http://www.laureliversonhitchcock.org/2015/07/01/personal- learning-networks-for-social-workers/ Michaeli, D. (2015, November 15). Personal Learning Network Twitter Cheat Sheet. Retrieved February 8, 2017, from http://www.socialwork.career/2015/11/personal-learning-network-twitter- cheat-sheet.html Richardson, W., & Mancabelli, R. (2011). Personal learning networks: Using the power of connections to transform education. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press. Smyth, N. J. (2016, October 14). Online Connections for Professional Learning. Retrieved from https://socialworksynergy.org/2016/10/14/online-connections- for-professional-learning/ Whitby, T. (2013, November 18). How Do I Get a PLN? Retrieved April 5, 2017, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/how-do-i-get-a-pln-tom-whitby
- 17. Questions? Laurel Iverson Hitchcock, PhD University of Alabama at Birmingham lihitch@uab.edu twitter: @laurelhitchcock Melanie Sage, PhD University of North Dakota Melanie.Sage@und.edu twitter: @melaniesage Nancy J. Smyth, PhD University at Buffalo email: sw-dean@buffalo.edu twitter: @njsmyth
Editor's Notes
- Laurel to welcome and we each introduce
- Laurel - Share examples of how to connect digital and face-to-face networks
- Nancy - A professional learning network (also known as a personalized learning network) includes technology-based tools and processes used by a social worker to stay up-to-date and share information about current news, practice knowledge and the latest research findings. Reflection: What do you need? – self-reflection and what are your reasons for networking relationship-building (networking) ; dissemination & Feedback (; learning (what topics) Introduce the topic – PLN http://griffinfarley.typepad.com/propagation/2009/08/new-ground-swell-researh-on-social-technology-adoption.html (Ground Swell) Clay Shirky Handout with resources: one-page handout; worksheet to map out Professional Development Plans from Education
- Nancy
- Nancy - A professional learning network (also known as a personalized learning network) includes technology-based tools and processes used by a social worker to stay up-to-date and share information about current news, practice knowledge and the latest research findings. http://griffinfarley.typepad.com/propagation/2009/08/new-ground-swell-researh-on-social-technology-adoption.html (Ground Swell) Clay Shirky Handout with resources: one-page handout; worksheet to map out Professional Development Plans from Education
- Melanie
- Laurel 1. What do I need to learn - Passion to learn – Self-Direction; Topics 2. Practicipating/Process– Sharing; Quality, not quantity; Diversity 3. Platforms 4. Manage – Reflection; Assess; Balance 5. Connect Face-to-face networks
- Laurel - Include benefits and challenges Richardson & Manacbelli
- Laurel - Platforms
- Nancy Include benefits and challenges Learn one at a time, search on best practices for it, norms, culture, find a successful role model Richardson & Manacbelli
- Nancy - Use digital tools to extend your relationships - Direct messaging, video calls, phone calls Engage your face-to-face colleagues in digital platforms
- Nancy– one minute
- Laurel – one minute
- Melanie – one minute
- Melanie – 10 minutes introduce worksheet Build on what you identified earlier (Slide 4 PLN Map) Learning Eco Maps Who are you? What do you do? What are your reasons for relationship-building? What do you want to learn? What do you need to learn? What are your professional development goals? What are your professional goals? Passion to Learn and Well-developed Sense of Self-Direction 1. What do I need to learn - Passion to learn – Self-Direction; Topics 2. Platforms next 3. Process– Sharing; Quality, not quantity; Diversity 3. Manage – Reflection; Assess; Balance 4. Connect Face-to-face networks Steps in Developing a Professional Learning Network What to learn? How to participate? What digital tools? How to manage? Connecting to Face-to-Face Network
- Melanie
- Melanie