Week 30 Professional Online Networks
Week 30 - Professional Online Networks
Melhuish (2013)defines social network sites as 'socially constructed spaces that allow members to create and collaborate in groups using semi-permanent comments'. As I considered my own practice and involvement in networks initially felt I am cautious in my engagement with many of the social media sites. Yet when I ponder this further it causes me to reconsider the statement.
Within my work place we are constant users of Google docs which supports us to create, collaborate, communicate and share. The use of this media is for teachers and students and is so important to the way we operate each day that we would be lost without it. As a senior leader I use vln (virtual learning network) and You Tube to help provide further information for staff during professional learning activities.
In my professional learning I have used networks to keep up to date with professional readings, research, searching blogs, twitter, You Tube for new learning or to understand concepts further. I think Melhuish (2013) makes an important point when referring to the idea that social network sites will not necessarily lead to professional learning as they can lack critical voice, superficial contents or automatically creating new knowledge. It can be easy to identify with the posts, articles, blogs without validating or thinking deeply about the learning being shared. However there is a vast amount of support available through social networks the opportunities to access advice, and be challenged in my thinking that takes me beyond what I can access in my school or local community.
Although I have spent time reading and reviewing others blog posts, I am still relatively new to creating my own posts. I have found Mind Lab and earlier participation in the National Aspiring Principals programme have required me to have conversations within the online spaces and this is challenging me to develop more of a presence. Both programmes have have had face to face meetings and self-directed learning which I have found helpful when participating online.
Therefore I would have to say outside of my own school I am more of a 'lurker' and the challenge I have given myself, is to become more of a contributor, as it is important to give back some of my views and ideas.
Although I have spent time reading and reviewing others blog posts, I am still relatively new to creating my own posts. I have found Mind Lab and earlier participation in the National Aspiring Principals programme have required me to have conversations within the online spaces and this is challenging me to develop more of a presence. Both programmes have have had face to face meetings and self-directed learning which I have found helpful when participating online.
Therefore I would have to say outside of my own school I am more of a 'lurker' and the challenge I have given myself, is to become more of a contributor, as it is important to give back some of my views and ideas.
Melhuish, K.(2013). Online social networking and its impact on New Zealand educators’ professional learning. Master Thesis. The University of Waikato. Retrieved from http://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/10289/8482/thesis.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y
In this context 'lurkers' are okay! It's where most of us start off. We read, watch and contemplate what's going on. We pick up the 'rules of play' and then perhaps offer tentative comments or questions. I've been on social sites where an introduction is 'required' before anyone will 'speak' to you - fairly tough going there.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting how Melhuish concluded that short section we read with " While collaboration and networking do not, of themselves, enhance professional practice, they can be precursors for meaningful dialogue to occur. " It all has to start somewhere.