Assignment 1: Reading Review Part B "Literature Research and Data Collection"

 Protocols of Place: 

I would like to acknowledge that this blog was completed on the traditional lands of the Secwepemc and I would like to acknowledge the local Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nation who have called this home since time immemorial. I am humbled and honored to be part of this land while on this academic journey of professional development. 

Literature Research & Data Collection

When gathering a variety of resources I find that it can be time consuming and I sometimes feel like Alice in Wonderland, where I fall down the rabbit hole! 

To begin my search I first went to the UBC Library. Unfortunately, when I searched “personal learning networks and Indigenous education” my results did not match the assignment. Although, I did stumble across an interesting paper which did intrigue me; 

Williams, L., & Claxton, N. (2017). Recultivating intergenerational resilience: Possibilities for "scaling DEEP" through disruptive pedagogies of decolonization and reconciliation. Canadian Journal of Environmental Education, 22, 58.

I re-researched using only “personal learning networks” and a ton of articles came up. 

First Source (Journal Article):

The journal article Teachers as connected professionals: A model to support professional learning through learning networks is a qualitative analysis of 13 diverse teachers and how they utilize PLN’s to enhance their practice. The article was in-depth with numerous works cited. The study did not concentrate on one social media platform thus presented information that was more holistic and authentic. I learned PLN’s are based upon connectivism pedagogy with the learner constructing information through social interactions. The article emphasized the importance of self-autonomy and the ability for PLN to enable relational learning across time and space. The researchers did propose a model to indicate their findings which I found easy to understand. 

Their findings reaffirmed why I need to develop this area for myself; to enhance my pedagogical practice and contribute to the wider teaching profession and beyond. One thing mentioned in the article I think is important is the need to be a social network literate learner. 

Work Cited:

Oddone, K., Hughes, H., & Lupton, M. (2019). Teachers as connected professionals: A model to support professional learning through personal learning networks. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 20(3) doi:https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v20i4.4082

Second Source (Magazine Article):

The following article piqued my interest because of the title The continuing journey to understand dispositions and the concept of the ho-hum librarian. I enjoyed reading the article as it was straightforward and gave practical advice on establishing a dynamic library program so that I do not become the ho-hum librarian. One suggestion was to ensure networking with other librarian leaders through PLN’s

Jones, J. L., & Long, L. B. (2019, 04). The continuing journey to understand dispositions and the concept of the ho-hum librarian. Teacher Librarian, 46, 17-21. Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/magazines/continuing-journey-understand-dispositions/docview/2264119619/se-2

Third Source (Blog):

Jo Chrona is an education consultant and author of Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education. I had the opportunity to hear her speak at one of our Aboriginal Education Leadership Sessions. Her blog is https://luudisk.com/ allowed me to learn more about her, learn about upcoming workshops, as well as provided me with a list of recommended books to read. 

 

Fourth Source (Book):

Rabbit hole: While looking for a blog to follow I came across the Indigenous Librarianship webpage. I checked out the Indigenous Literary Studies Association, who I am now following on Facebook, which led me to a book I want to read, Braiding Learning: Illuminating Indigenous Presence Through Art and Story. I also proposed this book to my boss for next year's Aboriginal Education Leadership Sessions. Unfortunately, I could not get a copy of this book prior to this blog post. 

Fifth Source (website):

I had the opportunity to attend the NOIIE (The Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education) conference this year. It made me realize how isolated my practice was and that I needed to further develop my PLN’s. The website https://noiie.ca/ provides information about what NOIIE is about, spirals of inquiry, indigenous education, free upcoming events, case studies, and resources. It is at the conference I was able to connect with like-minded individuals and grow my PLN. I am going to study the case studies more and determine if there are other individuals I would like to connect with on social media platforms.