PLN Assignment 1 Finished

I have now read the instructions and have to answer the following questions.

Who are you and what is your history as an educator?

I have spent my working life either in education/training and/or library and information services. My ‘teaching’ has mainly been with adults either in Higher Ed or VET.

Where you are at currently in terms of your skills and experience with Web 2.0 tools? Are you just getting around to using them, or are you an avid user? Dont use Web 2.0 tools as much as I don’t know what I don’t know. Used to be at the forefront on ICT use but over the last decade have been in management roles so my skills have slipped.

Describe your current Personal Learning Network. What organisations, people and networks do you support and in return support you? Where do you get information now? Conferences? Newsletters? Associations? Blogs? Colleagues? Staff meetings?

My PLN are the School Library Association members, our conferences, workshops and networking with colleagues throughout Australia.

What are your goals in terms of this program? What would you like to achieve this term? What would you like to achieve by the end of the year? I really need to know what members are using in the classroom and not just talk the talk but need to walk the walk 🙂

Done assignment one. Whooppee

Musings Week 1 and 2

I thought that this PLN caper  would be straightforward as I have been using technology since 1980 (online searching  via an acoustic coupler and a Texas Instrument device) and the internet since 1989 (thanks to working for Telstra). However after the Elluminate session I am more overwhelmed than before. It was the case of “ignorance is bliss”, now it is, “I know nothing”

I was encouraged to hear that the PLN has assisted people working in a isolated professional environment, that is sort of me but also not me. What is me is, that I have a different role to other participants. This has got me thinking…..

Firstly, my personal and professional life blend into one, not because I am a workaholic but because I have multiple paid and unpaid roles within education and training sectors.  Secondly I am paid to find out stuff…

So in questioning my learning I need to ask; ” What do I need to learn to best advise others on what they should look at?” and “What is the best way to use the learnings to make my life professionally and personally easier?”

So that is my challenge fpr the next 12 weeks.

PLN Information

I have been described as a real life example of the application of transferable skills.  I started my life as a Librarian in Teachers Colleges which got me interested in education and training. I spent the fist 10 years in and around Higher Ed either supporting lecturers and students in becoming teachers and later as a lecturer myself.  I then used my  skills and knowledge and transferred into corporate information. Eventually education and training beckoned me back and in the last 10 years I have worked in and around the VET (Vocational Education and Training) sector. I now also work supporting teacher-librarians in the P-12 sector as Exec Officer of SLAV.

My own PLN and web 2.00 skills can both be described as patchy, So this will provide me with the opportunity to learn, consolidate and ultimately work smarter across the different roles I have.