A learning community is a group of organisations or individuals that operate as a collaborative network. Some are face to face but many are connected via the internet.
A learning community provides opportunities for educators to connect with others, share ideas and resources, reflect critically on their practice, and create new knowledge about teaching and learning.
Learning communities l School stories l Related websites l Research and readings
Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, digital learning consultant, educator and teaching graduate, describes the way professional learning communities have lead to change in teacher practice for teachers in hundreds of schools in the state of Alabama.
Principals' professional learning communities
This NZ Curriculum Online digital story follows a year-long trial in three Wellington primary schools that incorporated a new initiative into their Principals' Professional Learning Community (PPLC). The trial involved three primary principals and a mentor from the New Zealand Principal and Leadership Centre.
Network learning community case studies
Network Learning Communities are one of the professional learning and development opportunities offered in 2011 by the Ministry and delivered by School Support Services. Ten case studies, from NZ Curriculum Online, outline how school leaders have made connections and learned together to shape their school curricula.
Marautanga learning community conversations
Watch this NZ Curriculum Online video about the Ngati Porou Marautanga o Aotearoa Cluster, who have developed a strong professional learning community to provide support as they design their Marau-ā-kura and put this into action in classrooms.
ICT in English
This blog supports the ICT in English mailing list on English Online. It is open to all teachers of secondary English and other interested educators, and is a place to air views, share ideas, request help and resources, and establish professional relationships.
ESOL Online mailing lists
Links to all the ESOL and literacy mailing lists. Join the relevant groups to participate in email-based discussions.
OPLC (Online Professional Learning Communities) wiki
This website provides information and research links about creating, facilitating, and maintaining online learning communities. Content relates to the ICT PD online community and Learning@school workshops presented in 2010 and 2011.
SEDL
This website provides some useful research information on developing professional learning communities. It contains resources to support the successful integration of ICT in learning.
Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education
This international association is made up of teachers, educators, and affiliated organisations of teacher educators. Their focus is on the use of information technology in teacher education and staff development.
This paper outlines the importance of professional learning in the secondary school context, reviews relevant research on professional learning groups, and details the experiences of two schools that have introduced such groups.
A literature review focused on Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and e-learning in the context of Te Reo Māori and Kaupapa Māori education
The Ministry of Education has identified the need to further explore the use of Virtual Learning Environments, particularly in the context of te reo Māori and kaupapa Māori education. This literature review was sought to provide further understanding for the Ministry of Education in this area.
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Enabling e-Learning
e-Learning: Leadership
e-Learning: Teaching
e-Learning: Technologies
e-Learning: Professional Learning
e-Learning Planning Framework
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ICT PD online discussion group
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VPLD online discussion group
Join the discussion on VPLD (Virtual Professional Learning and Development) in the VLN.
