Constructing an Online Professional Learning Network for School Unity and Student Achievement

Robin Thompson is curriculum coordinator for Manatee High School. Prior to this position, she served as reading coach and an intensive reading teacher at the high school, and taught various elementary and middle school grades. Thompson enjoys the process of designing, building, and launching professional learning networks. Her degree is in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in literacy, and she is especially interested struggling adolescent readers. A graduate of the University of Florida in educational technology, I lean towards the concept of connectivism when it comes to educating adolescent and adult learners alike. In today’s digital environment it is more important than ever to explore the biology of the human mind as well as the tools that exist outside the human mind that aid in learning. I have experience teaching both English and reading in grades 6-12. At the present time I am an assistant principal at Manatee High School in Bradenton, FL. Working with Bob and Robin has provided an exciting and rare experience of taking an idea and bringing it to fruition. We have truly synthesized our various levels of expertise to develop a personal learning network that has already reached beyond our initial expectations and that has the possibilities to steadily grow with the rapidly transforming learning environment. Currently the Principal of Manatee High School in Bradenton, Florida, I have had the honor of bringing a D-rated high school on the Florida Department of Education school-rating scale to an A-rating. I have worked diligently to demonstrate leadership and believe firmly that through teacher empowerment and the modeling of effective guidance any school climate can be transformed and improved. Working closely with Robin and Laurie, we have truly achieved a monumental task that we will continue to build and revise to meet the vast needs of both our teachers and our students.

• List of FiguresPreface: Getting the Big PictureHow the Concept of a Professional Learning Network Came into FocusWhat to Expect in this BookWhy We Wrote this BookAcknowledgmentsAbout the Authors1. Focusing on a Professional Learning NetworkWhat Is a Professional Learning Network?Why PLN Focus?Snapshot of Our PLNA Bird′s-Eye View of How to Build Your PLNReviewResources2. Zooming in on LeadershipWhy a Leadership Focus for a PLNSnapshot of Leadership in Our PLNA Bird′s-Eye View of Leadership for Your PLNReviewResource3. Going Digital: Infusing Technology Into a PLNWhy a Technology Focus for a PLN?Snapshot of Technology on Our PLNA Bird′s-Eye View of Technology for Your PLNReviewResource4. Landscape for Communication of InformationWhy a Communication Focus for a PLN?Snapshot of Communication on Our PLNA Bird′s-Eye View of Communication on Your PLNReview5. Framing Curriculum and InstructionWhy a Curriculum Focus for a PLN?Snapshot of Curriculum on Our PLNA Bird′s-Eye View of Curriculum on Your PLNReviewResources6. Exposures to LearningWhy a Professional Development Focus for a PLN?Snapshot of Professional Development on Our PLNA Bird′s-Eye View of Professional Development on Your PLNReview7. Begin Your Focus With Eight StepsWhat are the Steps You Need to Begin?Snapshot of the Eight Steps to Build Your PLNReviewResource8. Adding Perspective: Viewing a PLN With a New LensA Review of Why a PLNA Snapshot of Our ExperienceThe Future of PLNsThe Future of Your PLNReferencesIndex

“This book is a testimony to true transformative practice. The whole school community pursued a single vision, with multiple year checkpoints, while providing incremental support to the staff.”