067

tc08 1/14/2010 9:38:23

General Session - Conference Presentation Only (no formal paper)


 * Professional Learning Communities through Skype and Wiki’s: A Partnership with Hebei University**

Silvia Braidic, California University of Pennsylvania, Canonsburg, PA, USA, //braidic@calu.edu// Kevin Lordon, California University of Pennsylvania, Canonsburg, PA, USA,, lordon@calu.edu

Presentation Session Abstract: The advances in new information communication technologies such as skype and wiki have provided new avenues for schools to create dynamic learning environments beyond their physical space. This session details how an international collaboration of two universities was created to provide leadership staff development for professors of English at Hebei University.

Presentation Content/Outline: The development of college professors as teacher leaders impacts instruction at the university level. This session presents the international collaboration created to form a Professional Learning Community between two universities. A Professional Learning Community is “a collaboration of teachers, who work together to seek out best practices, test them in the classroom, continuously improve processes, and focus on results.” A Professional Learning Community allows teachers to explore new areas while having the support of the group regardless of location. The most powerful element of a collaborative learning environment is a natural support system that forms as members share common interests, goals and experiences. Online collaboration tools provide great potential as vehicles for developing Professional Learning Communities. Skype and wikis can support the creation and support of professional learning communities. This collaborative consisted of the following:

I. What is a Professional Learning Community?

II. Professional Learning Communities in a Face-to-Face Setting: a. The university collaborative/partnership established between California University of Pennsylvania and the University of Hebei b. Face-to-Face Teacher Leadership Development Sessions focused on leadership, change, decision making, qualities of effective leaders, and instruction

III. Professional Learning Communities using Technology Tools: a. The use of skype for Professional Learning Communities (A series of skype sessions using audio and video will be shared) b. The creation and use of a wiki for Professional Learning Communities (The creation of a China PLC wiki will be presented. Various components of the China PLC wiki will be shared with topics such as professional learning communities, lesson design, team work, assessment, etc.)

IV. Key Learnings As a result of this session, participants will: • Develop an understanding of a Professional Learning Community Model that uses face-to-face and technological components (skype and wiki). • Analyze the components of the Professional Learning Community. • Understand faculty perspectives of the Professional Learning Community. • Explore key points learned as a result of implementing a Professional Learning Community in an online and face-to-face setting. • Develop ideas for creating a Professional Learning Community with technology tools.

Conference Themes: • Building and sustaining learning communities • Technology applications that facilitate communication, collaboration, sharing, and social networking • Professional development for faculty and staff • Global learning • Educational technology around the world

All Audiences, professional learning communities, skype, wiki, partnerships