Building a Personal Learning Network Presenters: Alisa Fleming and Connie Lorthridge
October 23, 2013
Meet the Speakers Alisa Fleming • • • • •
Associate Dean, School of Business, University of Phoenix Faculty member (management & communication courses) Teaching Excellence Chair & Evaluator – Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) Earned a Master of Business Administration, Western International University Pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis on Organizational Leadership, North Central University (June 2014)
Connie Lorthridge • • • • •
Assistant Dean, College of Education, University of Phoenix University of Phoenix Faculty, Education, Humanities, Nursing, Social Sciences Former New York State public school superintendent Earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Columbia University Member of the American Association of School Superintendents and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Agenda
Importance of building and maintaining a professional network Resources for building and leveraging a professional learning network Discover your own personal and professional networking opportunities
Getting Started
K W L
• What I know
• What I want to know
• What I learned
Personal Learning Network
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What is a Personal Learning Network? Reciprocal network you create to: Learn from and connect with others
Gather information and resources
Share what you have learned
Source: Cassinelli, C. (2010). What is a PLN and why do I need one? edtech VISION.
Value and Purpose of a Personal Learning Network
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Value and Purpose Access to the thinking of others Access to timely information Opportunity to pose questions and get responses from experts Collaborate with colleagues and experts Share events and news in areas of interest
What is a Personal Learning Network? Personal Learning Network Outside your organization Community of Practice Your Organization
Professional Learning Community Coworkers
Adapted from the Connected Education: Learning and Leading in a Digital Age by S. Nussbaum-Beach and L.R. Hull
A Three Pronged Approach to Professional Sharing and Learning
Nussbaum-Beach, S & Hall, L.R. (20120). The connected educator: Learning and leading in a digital age. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
Resources for Building Your Personal Learning Network
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Resources for Building Your Network
Resources for Building Your Network
Resources for Building Your Network
Forms Purposeful Connections Creates a pool of knowledge and experience Communities allow members of similar interests to come for discussion
Resources for Building Your Network Read with annotation tools Build a personal library Organize information Collaborate with groups Provide feedback and catch attention Share information
Resources for Building Your Network
Resources for Building Your Network
Activity: Creating Your Circle of Influence
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Circle of Influence Activity 1. Identify your interests/goals. 2. Reflect on the influence you currently have over those items listed. 3. Identify where you could/should optimize your influence in the wider circle of interest 4. Identify connections or networks that will help you achieve greater influence over your interests and goals. Hubert, S. (2010). Widen Your Circle of Influence.
Circle of Influence Activity Creating your Circle of Influence • Your World • Circle of Interest • List personal/professional interests
• Circle of Influence • You can make decisions for yourself and others • Represents the amount of influence you have • Draw a circle around the areas Hubert, S. (2010). Widen Your Circle of Influence. you have influence over Goal: Widen your circle of influence to include more of your interests. Identify areas to spend more time on.
Building Your Professional Learning Network
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Building a Strong Network Building a extensive network is critical and should include: Mentor – This is an individual who has achieved the level of success that you desire and from whom you can learn. Coach – This person offers feedback and support and can assist during times of transition or when critical decisions need to made. Industry Insider – This is someone who you consider to be an expert in the field. Source: Goodwin, T. (2010). How to Build a Powerful Professional Network. Forbes.
Building a Strong Network (cont.) Trendsetter – This person is outside your industry but is highly keen to trends and could be influential in brainstorming ideas. Connector – This individual has access to resources, people, and information at their finger tips and is excellent at making those connections. Source: Goodwin, T. (2010). How to Build a Powerful Professional Network. Forbes.
Activity: Identifying Connections for Your Network
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Activity: Identifying Connections within Your Network 1. Who are the individuals that can help you achieve greater influence within your interests/goals? 2. Who are your personal associates/friends who you can depend on for support or encouragement? 3. List these individuals and think about how those connections will be beneficial to you.
Tips for Maximizing Your Network
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Tips for Maximizing your Network
Participate in webinars/TED talks Spend time developing relationships Keep in touch with professionals you meet at conferences and events Follow conferences and events you can’t attend online Use those resources!
Reflections
K W L
• What I know
• What I want to know
• What I learned
References Cassinelli, C. (2010). What is a PLN and why do I need one? edtech VISION. Hubert, S. (2010). Widen Your Circle of Influence. ConsultingEssentials. Goodwin, T. (2010). How to Build a Powerful Professional Network. Forbes.
