Blog #1

In this chapter of the Connected Educator, individuals are given an overview of Connected Learning Communities and the different ways they are used to educate and encourage colleagues to collaborate. Readers are given insight on how they are formed through sharing similar goals, creating ideas based off of those similar goals and shared beliefs. The chapter describes various learning models and communities. One model described is the Connected Learning Model. It is broken down into three parts which include local connections, global connections and bounded connections. Each part is characterized by their contrasting connections. The chapter also delves into how a common language is important in maintaining communication in learning communities.  Many terms have been used interchangeably and sometimes even incorrectly.  Readers are also able to understand personal learning networks in the Chapter and how important it is to focus on the individual teaching as much as the individuals being taught. 

            The communities and models explained in this chapter can be applied in distinctive ways in my future profession as a Physician Assistant. While working as a Physician Assistant I will be educated by a superior, but I will also have the role of being an educator to the colleagues around me. With my future profession I can instill online connections with my colleagues that promote sharing new ideas about the workplace or goals for the workplace. As a Professional Learning Community, my colleagues and I will be able to learn together, improve achievement in the work place and encourage self-efficacy.