Professional+Learning+Communitites

= **Professional Learning Communities (Communicate, Collaborate)** = = =

** (This page was initially developed by Jamila Rimmer. Others have identified their contributions by noting their name next to their information) **
= = = = = Tools =
 * Blogs
 * Podcasts
 * Online Communities
 * Teacher Web Pages
 * Online Tutorials
 * Web Based Research
 * Email

**(Contributed by Jamila Rimmer)**

= Information and Resource =
 * Moodle // (contributed by Kelly Nalley) //
 * Wikis // (contributed by Kelly Nalley) //

Wesites:

 * Blogs - []
 * Podcasts - []
 * Online Communities - [|Ning]
 * Teacher Web pages - Wikis
 * Online Tutorials - [|Jing]
 * Web Based Research - [|Advanced] and [|Specialized Google Search]
 * Email - [|Google Groups]

**(Contributed by Jamila Rimmer)**


 * Video: Online Learning Communities [] (contributed by April Edwards)

= Strategies and Ideas =

The characteristics of Professional Learning Communities (PLC's) are as follows:

 * Support and share leadership
 * Share values and vision
 * Collective learning and applying that learning
 * Shared practice
 * Supportive conditions for the maintenance of the learning community.

The tools listed above are all technological resources that can be used for the purpose of teacher communication and collaboration. Teachers are already overwhelmed with their day-to-day responsibilities. Incorporating the use of technology for PLC's makes it easy and convenient for teachers to share and connect. Technology should not totally replace PLC "face to face" meetings; however it can be used to reduce the length of meetings.

**(Contributed by Jamila Rimmer)**