Technology Blog #1: Developing a Connected Learning Model and how it relates to my major

    The idea of creating a strong and trusted network of diverse connections in any field of work is crucial for improvement, but it is especially important in my major which is finance. The use of technology can really help to build a wide variety of connections in the finance industry, which is important because it can help me to learn new skills, unlock new job opportunities, and constantly improve at my job. If I did not work on learning from not only coworkers at my place of business, but also other individuals from the same line of work around the world, then I would be very limited with the skills I know and the resources that are available. In the business world, things are constantly evolving and changing, so it is crucial to be able to learn from other individual's experiences and ideas, while also staying connected and constantly growing your network. Working in finance is often an individual practice, so it is beneficial to avoid isolating from others, and instead encourage building connections with others, similar to how the educators in the reading do. Doing this can improve my skills and can benefit my clients as well. 

     This chapter highlights many key takeaways and ideas about the way educators connect and share ideas to improve their teaching, thus continuously improving student achievement in schools. Ways of being connected through professional learning communities and personal learning networks are established in this chapter, and we are able to learn the importance of participating in both of these practices. Professional learning communities are structured so that all staff; teachers, administrators, etc., all work together and share ideas in order to achieve the common goal of improving student achievement. This often is characterized by having shared leadership, developing relationships with others, and school reform. This practice is very important for school districts to constantly work on improving, and can also help to boost school morale, which as a result can increase student engagement. Personal Learning Networks focuses more on who individual personally connected themselves with, whether that be in their grade-level, online, or someone that shares similar beliefs or interests. The ability to design your own network with this method can help an individual create a positive environment for themselves, where they can learn from like-minded people, and can boost their confidence in their own teaching. 

    This chapter also highlights the importance of creating a connected learning community that is diverse, in order to constantly gain different perspectives from people with different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. Another tool to building these communities, which can really transform learning, is using technology in order to be able to connect to educators from around the world, and learning from shared experiences or ideas. The use of technology to make connections allows for an easy way to continuously meet more diverse people in your field of study, and communicate. Making posts, messaging/emailing, and video calls have become popular ways for people to communicate, not just globally, but also within each school district, which makes collaboration flexible.