Thing 18 Professional Learning Networks

When I first checked out the links on the task page for Thing 18 I became quite confused. Many of the networks listed on the sites were by invitation only, so I couldn't see what was being done, but persistence paid off.

Signing on to Ning, I was able to search around and found two groups dealing with teaching social studies. One was the National Council for Social Studies and the other was I Teach Social Studies. Both were open to new members, so after looking around a bit, I signed up for both and even posted a comment on one. Each gives a number of links to helpful resources and both appear to be good places to bounce ideas off peers.

This type of network would seem to be very useful on a district or intermediate district level. Since we are all trying to teach the same curriculum content within the state, groups that could share their approaches, successes, and failures would certainly be pertinent to all involved in the same subject/ same grade level. We could notify each other of conferences, classes, workshops, and other resources. We could recommend various print and digital resources. We could explain techniques that worked and ask advice for ones that didn't. We could certainly vent our frustrations and celebrate our successes.

Within districts, this type of network could be used for coordinating planning of events, getting advice from peers, sharing information and resources, and notifying staff of professional development opportunities. Comments posted by members could assist planners in evaluating these events, resources, and techniques. This could be very useful for planning and keeping in touch during the summer as well.