Facilitation Innovation

We are better together!

I have been participating in learning networks for many years. My learning networks have proven essential as my educational work has been virtual for the past six years. Being a virtual teacher can feel very isolating without the daily teacher community just down the hall or in the faculty room. Instead, I have consistently been part of virtual teacher communities where I have been able to learn, ask or answer questions, and get or share ideas. 

I am no longer in the classroom and my role has shifted to professional learning. Part of my job description as an Education Specialist for a literacy curriculum company is to stay current on research and trends in the field. In order to stay abreast of what is happening among educators and researchers in the field of literacy I have joined several learning networks. Some are extremely large communities where I mostly consume information, while others are more intimate and allow for organic discussion and sharing of practical applications of the research. I find value in both.

The following are the Science of Reading-focused learning networks that I belong to: 

The Science of Reading Collective is a highly interactive network where I get lots of practical teaching ideas and resources. I also have lots of opportunities for discussion here.

Science of Reading Alliance is a newer network that I have joined. It is more academic in nature. Its purpose is to share current research and allow members to analyze it and discuss it.

The Reading League is a large learning network that supports all things literacy. They offer a newsletter, webinars, blog posts, and host an annual conference. I am primarily a consumer in this group.

My organization utilizes the Slack application for internal communication. There are many channels and learning networks within our Slack workspace. One Slack learning network within my organization is Literacy Research Summarized. This channel is home to about 65 of my colleagues. We share interesting relevant articles we come across. Because we have a shared professional interest and mission there is great discussion in this group! (Private group cannot be shared)

Facebook:

I believe that Facebook groups can be wonderful learning networks and communities. Currently, the Reading Horizons Teacher’s League is my most-visited Facebook learning network. It is highly interactive and, while there are thousands of educators in the group, it has a more intimate and supportive feel. I am both a contributor and a consumer here.

The Learner’s Mindset CoP group focuses on the ADL program and shares resources relevant to the program. I have not contributed to this group yet. 

EdWeb:

EdWeb is a large network of educators. Within EdWeb there are hundreds of smaller communities. I have chosen a handful to participate in. I like that within these smaller communities there is more focused information shared and more opportunities for collaboration. I mostly consume webinars specific to these communities, but occasionally have the opportunity to share as well. My organization facilitated a webinar in the ‘Be a Literacy Hero’ community last week.

21st Century Learning– focuses on technology tools and implementation in the classroom.

Be a Literacy Hero– focuses on literacy teaching strategies, research, and other literacy information.

Language and Literacy– This community looks at literacy through a broader lens that includes multilingual students and their unique needs. As a TESOL-certified educator with a background in teaching ELLs, I enjoy this group.

Teaching Reading and Writing– While my focus is mostly reading, writing generally goes hand in hand with reading instruction. They tend to work together and are often taught by the same teachers in the same ELA block, so I try to stay current on writing instructional research and best practices.

Podcasts:

Podcasts can be a fantastic way to connect with others in a learning network. I do feel that podcasts are the least interactive learning network tools, but valuable nonetheless. I love that I can fit in a podcast while traveling, cleaning, cooking or exercising. The following are some of my favorites.

Literacy Talks

Sold a Story

Teaching, Reading, and Learning: The Reading League Podcast

What learning networks are you a part of? Please share in the comments!