Blog #1 Developing a Connected Learning Model: Connected Learning Communities in the accounting field

Connected learning communtities are the new norm for the 21st century. Teacher learning has adapted over time to include technological advances that benefit the whole community rather than just the individual. Learning workshops are being left in the past and new models are surfacing the most prominent being a connected learning community. These offer a community that fosters learning both in person and online that can be accessed from anywhere around the globe. There are three areas where learning communities can be embraced including local community (PLC), global network (PLN), and bounded community (CoP).

Professional learning communities are catered for the teachers who calloborate with their subordinates with a focus to improve student achievement. PLCs are typically face to face while working in groups, the main goals of a PLC are for continous improvement and shared leadership through feedback and classroom visits. Individual learning is proitized, while risk taking is encouraged to further develop learning techniques. There are many instances where technology can be put to use to facilitate learning using blogs, wikis, and other collaborative tools are examples. PLCs are extremely important for proffesional learning and to fulfill the path of becoming a connected educator.

Personal learning networks are more of a do it yourself learning strategy. PLNs can also be face to face, individual, or online. One of the main goals of a PLN is for personal growth, developing learning techniques from others in the community. With this way of learning ideas are shared by individuals who can then view other ways of teaching that may align with personal beliefs. PLNs offer a personalized approach to learning new ideas and sharing idea of your own. PLNs focus heavy on technology and tools in order to assist the learning process. A major difference between a PLC and a PLN is that PLNs are designed for individual uses, while PLCs follow specific actions from the school in the best interests for the students. This is also a great form of networking allowing for the creation of likeminded communities.

Communities of practice focus on gathering a collective intelligence bank from all the community members, which share common interest and talents. CoPs are organized by individuals with similar interests who want to build a learning bank of knowledge to share. CoPs are collective, face to face, and online. The main goal for CoPs is to systematically improve upon their shared techniques and interests. The members use a learning theory called connectivism, which focuses on openness and collaboration to expand the learning process. A major different between the two prior communities is that CoPs benefit greatly from global and diverse communities. Relationships are formed in these communities who collectively use their knowledge to brainstorm new ways of teaching. CoPs are very important for stimulating learning growth and of the three communities is regarded to provide the best results.

The research has shown that networking and collaboration are key factors for community building. Technology is a driving factor in all three of these communities to help with continuos improvement, diversification, and effectiveness. It was found in many studies that student acheivement was increased and more effective when decision making, leadership, and openness were all collaborative between teachers. It was also noted that collaboration and collegiality are the two factors influencing teacher development and motivation. Through online learning community doors have opened for more freedom in teaching methods and more overall success with student learning. Teachers have stated that using these learning communities has helped them become a better teachers and learners themselves.

Connected learning communities allow for educators to share their learning networks locally and globally. Student achievment, professional learning, and personal learning are all outcomes of these communities. All three of these methods ideas can be shared around the globe for a better learning experience from educators. Being transparent is important in these communities so that members can feel in tune and willing to try other ideas. Transparency is one of the challenges found by some studies, because being open and putting everything out there for the community to see is hard for teachers who lack confidence. These communities allow for teachers to step out of their comfort zone and learn new methods and ideas that may benefit their careers. Diversity is a must for these communities to provide different backgrounds, knowledge, langauge, religion, and experience for all the members. Successful learning communities thrive off of diversity and new learning ideas emerge from global connection.

I see these communities being very benefical for the accounting field. Communities of practice would be a great way for accountants to stay connected within an online community who share ways to continously improve upon their skills. There are a few ways I see this community being helpful, staying up to date with all current standards and framework, keeping up to date with tax purposes and new ways to find grey areas for tax breaks, easier tips for bookeeping or audits, and to inspire the community to stay up to date with new technolgy. Accouting matters are updated pretty frequently and new or changed standards need to be followed, I think by having a community of experts who stay up to date with this news would be very benefical. New individuals coming into the field could also join these communities to constantly learn new concepts not taught in college. I do see an issue with some individuals who do not want to share all their knowledge they have built through their career without some form of compensation, so this could steer some away from joining a community. In a sense in all fields if to much information is given out by the industry leaders that may result in some negative outcomes for them, so within these communities the content should be monitored. Personally joining a community after college would be a great option with so much more that can be learned in the field of accounting. I believe that if we all had an option to join these communities in our related field we would because there is always more to learn. The main idea of continuing to be a learner is very prominent in the field of accounting no matter which type of job you decide to pick. Collaboration is also key in the accounting field, which communities are formed in the workplace to tackle common goals.