helping preservice teachers build an online pln in

Helping Preservice Teachers Build an Online PLN in Assistive Technology

Brian W. Wojcik, Ed.D., ATPSpecial Education Assistive Technology Center

Illinois State University

The Plan

– Preparing the Experience– Assigning the Experience• Phase 1 - Building the Network• Phase 2 - Managing and Refining Network• Phase 3 - Contributing and Participating

– Assessing and Evaluating the Experience

Preparing The Experience

LISTSERV/Google Groups/

Yahoo Groups

Assigning the Experience

Phase 1 - Building the Network

Phase 2 - Managing and Refining Network

Phase 3 - Contributing and Participating

Phase 1 – Building the Network

• Point students to build their networks

• Encourage them to ‘try on’ different services in earnest

• Set up checkpoints to allow students to report progress and ask questions

Phase 2 – Managing and Refining Network

• Provide options for students to manage information

• Start discussing their ideas regarding what services work well for them personally

Phase 3 – Contributing and Participating

• Provide strategies for the students to contribute to their PLN– Ask questions– Comment on others’

posts– Create original posts

• Help students understand their role in their PLN

Assessing and Evaluating the Experience

• Reflection of what was learned

• Documentation of effective participation within the PLN

• Analysis of what tools/strategies/services were found to be personally most effective

• Explanation of future plans/directions in expanding and participating in the PLN