I oscillated in choosing the best addition to my PLN. I was tempted to choose Google since our district uses GSuite with students and teachers. I am very confident with many Google applications, but I would like to get a better learning of Jamboard and other tools that I am less familiar with. After taking a look at the site, I feel that I can take these short pro-d sessions about new tools as needed. I’m sure if I explored the Google Educators site more I would see it’s potential for collaboration, but I can’t help but feel that the network is made by a company and therefore has commercial goals.
I am drawn to the ISTE Community since the networks are so varied. While I was hoping it would have a group specifically for language teaching, it does have several groups that are of interest to me, such as Digital Citizenship, Digital Storytelling, and Teacher Education Network. These sound like networks that will support me in using technology to deepen learning for my students in areas that are pertinent to my Coordinator role and my UVic Instructor context. These are also areas of education that I am passionate about.
Cook, Rebecca J. (2017) « Online Professional Learning Networks: A Viable Solution to the Professional Development Dilemma. » Journal of Special Education Technology, 32(2).
Technology in the language learning classroom and library 
(STACEY) Hi, Madeleine – I was very intrigued by the ISTE Community and its wide range of networks and groupings, as well. How did you feel about the $75 / year membership cost? I feel like teachers pay out-of-pocket for so many things, it was a little off-putting for me. It does look like it would have some very useful connections, however.
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Yes, I see that now. I don’t think I will pay the 75$ as I am overextended with professional purchases this year! I guess I might try the Google Educators after all.
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Angela –
Hi Madeleine,
I am interested in learning about the how/why districts allow an application and why another doesn’t allow it. Your district uses GSuite and mine uses Microsoft O365. I agree with you in wanting to choose an app that is different than the one our districts use (I ended up choosing Microsoft anyways) but I still plan on looking at what Google has to offer teachers as well as Apple, in terms of content, lessons and resources. This may work for you as well since I saw in your comment that you may not go with ISTE after all and stick with Google.
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I’ve wondered about that too, Angela. I believe our district also has Microsoft but we dont’t seem to use Teams. I believe the GSuite resistance is due to privacy concerns but I have never followed it closely. Thanks for reading and responding to my blog! Madeleine
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