Professional learning networks (PLN) and communities (PLC) are integral parts of being a life-long learner. For me, being involved in multiple PLN's and PLC's give me multiple opportunities to collaborate and learn from others while simultaneously allowing me to share my knowledge and experience. They are invaluable resources and each one serves a different purpose. I highly recommend joining these or others that better fit your personal teaching philosophy and content areas.
Adobe Education Exchange
As a tech educator, there are several resources that I use in my field. I teach Cinema and Media Arts and one of my favorite PLNs is the Adobe Education Exchange.
The AEE gives educators access to like-minded professionals that engage in lesson sharing, resources, and discussions surrounding the Adobe products. Not only does it give insight to the software, but also how to tie the software to real-world projects in the classroom.
The network offers workshops, lesson plans, resources, courses, and more. It even gives educators the opportunity to build a portfolio page that highlights their Adobe expertise. Feel free to take a look at my profile. It is still a work in progress and I need to do a better job of updating it. Tara Bordeaux - Adobe Education
Apple Teacher
Of course, one of my favorite communities to be a part of is the Apple Teacher community. The great part about being an Apple Teacher is the camaraderie between teachers. Everyone is always willing to share their knowledge and help find solutions to problems they are presented with. This is not something that always happens in the education world. In my experience, teachers are sometimes afraid that if they share too much, they are replaceable. It's refreshing to have a group of teachers that are completely willing to share because they understand the deep value of true collaboration and the benefits it has for everyone. My goal is to expand my network and become an Apple Distinguished Educator. I want to continue to learn from all of the creative ADEs I have already met and I want to be able to help others the way they have helped me.
Additional PLNs and PLCs
Aside from Adobe and Apple, there are several more learning networks and communities I am a part of. It would take way to long to talk about all of the wonderful things each of these organizations and groups do, and my blog post would not do them justice. Please feel free to check them out. I promise they are worth it.
Member-based organization devoted to advancing technology in education. Our primary focus is on integrating technology into the PreK-16 environment and providing our members with state-of-the-art information through conferences, workshops, newsletters, the internet, and collaborations with businesses and institutions of higher learning.
Connects, supports, and mobilizes educators so they can advocate for the issues and practices that provide all students with exceptional and equitable learning opportunities.
Helps educators engage their students in the use of creative media to take informed action about the issues they care about. The Rock Your World program also guides, supports and amplifies young change makers around the world.
Freedom Writers Foundation focuses on four main programs that improve the education of students around the globe. Trains educators to teach every student, develop interesting and substantive curricula, award scholarships to first-generation high school graduates, and bring hope by sharing our stories of overcoming adversity through education.
Beats By Girlz is a non-traditional, creative and educational music technology curriculum, collective and community template designed by Associate Professor at The Berklee College of Music, Erin Barra-Jean
Student Reporting Labs connect students with a network of public broadcasting mentors and an innovative journalism curriculum to develop digital media, critical thinking and communication skills while producing original news reports.