Checking out Personal Learning Environments
In learning more about Professional Learning Environments (PLE), I'm trying to think what we use in school that would be considered a PLE. Our district uses Clever which houses all of the apps that teachers and students use. It's a one click sign on and all of their programs are located easily on one screen. This has really streamlined the process for students and teachers to easily find all of the programs that the district has to offer. There is a section specifically for English Learners.
I also think Moby Max would be considered a PLE since the students can work through their own path and at their own pace. There are multiple topics in multiple subjects. I can assign them topics that I think they need to work on also. Once they take a pre-test, they will then start working through a path to help them with that specific skill. This is a great resource for English learners, especially if you want to hone in on specific skills. A teacher can check the progress, however it doesn't allow for collaboration so it may not be a true PLE to my knowledge. The article by Tsetos, S., & Prentzas, J. (2021) also mentions Schoology as an example of a learning management system. We currently use Schoology every day. All of our courses and most materials are housed on there. When students are absent, or even just want to go back to something we did, it will be available to them organized by week. It took a lot of time to set it up, but has been a fantastic way to keep everything organized and available to all students. As the authors mention, PLEs can be a possible way to make learning personalized. This is true for Schoology since you can individually assign folders, tests, and units to individuals and even different groups of students.
In looking at an article focused on PLEs, specifically Symbaloo, the authors make a great point. In talking about university students, it mentions that English learners rely heavily on internet sources but lack the critical thinking skills to evaluate online information for credibility. By using PLEs with these students, it enables them to develop these skills in a "personalized and low-stakes way." These "learners are not longer expected to be simply passive participants in language learning, they are now expected to be more autonomous and make informed choices regarding how, when and what they study" (Harwood, 2014).
The article also discusses Symbaloo which interested me, since this PLE is new to me. "Because the platform is a software application that enables learners to organize, integrate, and share online content in one setting or PLE, it enables educators to create mixes of tailored resources which can be shared with students, who can integrate them into their own PLE" (Harwood, 2014). Students can then use and share content with their classmates and instructors. They are also free to add content as well. It encourages peer-to-peer interaction. "For English language educators, it has numerous uses from providing learners with mixes of essential resources such as dictionaries, online concordance software and APA referencing guides to specific skills and grammar webmixes using links to YouTube video tutorials and grammar practice websites." In learning about Symbaloo, I really think it could be something that 6th graders could handle, and even really enjoy. It can benefit all types of learners and give them some ownership over their work.
Overall, I'm excited to learn more about PLEs and how they can help English learners in the classroom, specifically Symbaloo. I think this is a great start. Until next week.
Articles Referenced
http://www.wiete.com.au/journals/WTE&TE/Pages/Vol.18,%20No.4%20(2020)/20-MdSaad-M.pdf
https://esptodayjournal.org/pdf/current_issue/5.%20CHRIS%20HARWOOD%20-%20full%20text.pdf
My district took on Schoology starting the 2021-22 school year. At the elementary level, we were shocked when we had to try to have our younger learners navigate a pretty complex (and not too aesthetically helpful) application. I agree that it is wonderful for organizing assignments, especially for a flipped-classroom model where most work may be done independently on the district device. My peers in higher grade levels have raved about Schoology, and how it has made communicating with parents about grading much more solid- as there is no room for doubt in terms of complete/ incomplete or late assignments through the Schoology system. Great relfection on PLEs!
ReplyDeleteMy school district uses Clever as well. I agree it would be considered a PLE since the platform includes tools and services in one place, serves as a more student-centered approach, and is more personalized to best fit the student. It's very kid-friendly and can be a great tool for ELLs. I've heard of many schools around my area using Schoology, but I am not too familar with the resource. However, my district uses PowerSchool as an SIS (student information system), which is part of Schoology's LMS (learning management system). We are moving from PowerSchool to Canvas this upcoming schoolyear. I would consider Canvas a PLE as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.