Activity 6: Using social online
networks in teaching and/or professional development
After reading the Class Notes, create
a blog post where you critically discuss the use of social media in teaching
and/or in professional development in relation to any two of the following questions:
- What are some key features of social
media that are beneficial for teaching and learning? Why?
In the
New Zealand context, the Ministry of Education has introduced an initiative to
enhance professional development via online social networking. The Virtual Learning Network is a platform where educators can
engage in professional conversations. Melhuish's (2013) study has suggested
that VLN Groups can enable an informal type of professional learning for
teachers. This forum is an open collaborative online learning tool specialising
in NZ education. Advice and reflections shared openly to help other NZ Primary
School teachers. The features of virtual learning network offers group discussions,
blogs, lesson plans and assessments, resources and more. Theres a help and
support link where you can ask about how to blog or copy work. It is a means in
which teachers can collaborate and share learning journeys as a way of support
and encouragement.
- How do/would you use social media to
enhance your professional development? Why?
I utilise the The NZ
Primary School facebook page and its features at least twice a week. This page
is private and all members are associated to a primary school sector. Created
by Amber Mattsson and Rachael Sprosen as a tool of collaboration, they quote “we do our best to screen the
‘less desirable‘ people who request to join our amazing, collaborative group.
However, we need everyone to help us find the rest. Please report all spam to
admin and if you have another concerns about members please PM us”, as a means
of protection of our privacy as NZ primary school teachers. I would use this
forum for questions or any relevant information to any given topic. As a beginner
teacher you research all features of your practice, how best to improve and
advice from experienced teachers. I like reading topics of interest, example
Matariki unit just finished and on the NZ Primary teachers page were numerous
unit plans and activities for implementation in to your own plans. They would
share links and technology knowledge to help enhance our chosen topic or unit.
Melhuish, K. A. V. (2013). Online social networking and its
impact on New Zealand educators’ professional learning (Thesis, Master of
Education (MEd)). University of Waikato. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10289/8482
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