I participate in all of the following types of learning opportunities. Some may call me a junkie but I gain something from each, something different from each. Each type has the added value of meeting members of your Professional network created through Social media face to face. The nature of the opportunities could be summarised as follows:
Large scale conferences (eg EduTech, ISTE)
- Sponsors
- Keynotes – mainly Ed Guru types with a smattering of high profile current practicioners
- Programs and Trade Shows
- Largely big picture issues
- Open to all but limited by funds available
Industry Association Conferences (DLTV and ACEC2014)
- Sponsors
- One or two keynotes
- Most sessions run by practising teachers – practical
- Open to all but limited by funds available
- Lower cost ?
Teachmeets (Teachmeet Melbourne)
- For teachers by teachers
- Limited structure
- Free
- Mixture of practical skills and issues
School based Professional learning Inquiry
- Action research
- Practical – directly related to student outcomes
- Free
- Amongst colleagues
Twitter / Google+ / Scootle Community
- Personalised to my needs and interests
- Online – Any time, any where
- Creates a PLN
Is one better than the other ? I don’t think so, but I would not want to limit myself to one type. The mixture provides a blend of experiences that I value.
What Professional Learning Opportunities do you value ? Why ?