Technology Blog #3: Using Tools to Support Connected Learning

    Chapter 5 of "The Connected Educator" discusses the necessity of developing a robust personal learning network (PLN), which goes beyond just casual connections and instead focuses on collaborative growth and collective continuous learning. The authors explain that while connected educators certainly consume content, they also participate, contribute and reflect in their PLNs. The authors illustrate how digital tools allow individuals to connect with expertise, share ideas and solve problems together, thereby allowing professionals to avoid isolation and build intentional relationships that both expand their thinking and provide opportunities for new skills to be developed. Ultimately, the chapter establishes connection as an ongoing mindset -- one of continuous professional learning and support for one another.

    This chapter has direct relevance to how I will have to work as a future CAD Drafter/Structural Engineer in a rapidly evolving and very technical industry. The standards used in engineering, the building codes, and the design software are continually evolving and therefore, will require more than what I will learn in school to stay current. Through developing a professional network through various means such as industry forums, LinkedIn groups, engineering associations and collaborative design teams, I will be able to continue to develop new drafting techniques, new software updates, and new structural innovations. Rather than having to troubleshoot complex design issues on my own, I can seek the advice of experienced engineers or drafters. This is similar to the chapter's premise that professional growth is enhanced by actively engaging with others who stimulate and challenge you.

    Additionally, Chapter 5 reinforces the concept that connectivity enhances not only technical knowledge but also your ability to lead and communicate effectively. In the field of Structural Engineering, all projects involve coordinating multiple stakeholders including architects, contractors, project managers and engineers. Developing a collaborative mindset at the onset of my career will enable me to become more effective in team based environments where accuracy and clear communication are paramount. The chapter's focus on intentional networking has caused me to consider my future career as an ever-changing entity as opposed to a static one. By continually learning from others and sharing my own perspectives and experiences, I will be able to evolve from simply being a CAD Drafter to being a well-rounded Structural Engineer that values innovation, collaboration and continued professional development.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Technology Blog #1: Developing a Connected Learning Model Summary and Connection To My Potential Career Choice

Image
      The chapter,  Developing a Connected Learning Model  explores various strategies that our educators implement/can implement to help improve today's learners engagement in the classroom as well as their overall performance, attitude, academic, and social skills. According to the reading, I found that the most prominent way educators achieve this is by creating or getting involved in connected learning communities. These communities allow educators, or really anyone to interact with other people that share similar interests/goals in order to develop or share strategies that people can use to reach that common goal. Some skills that this can build overtime include critical thinking, active learning, problem solving, and collaborative action research.     Within my potential career choice (engineering), developing a connected learning model can be crucial to becoming successful in the field. In the few years I spent working in a firm it became appare...
Read more

Technology Blog #2: Building Your Connected Learning Community

Image
     In addition to the importance of building a PLN, the chapters' emphasis on designing a community, and shared leadership has similarities to the collaborative nature of structural engineering projects. Due to the complexity of large scale construction projects, they require the coordination of multiple stakeholders including architects, engineers, contractors, and drafters. Many companies use collaborative BIM environments that are facilitated by organizations such as Autodesk to create shared models and workflow processes. Similar to the concept of a community providing depth, through co-creation, and mutual accountability, I would be able to provide value back to my profession, by contributing to the community through sharing my own drafting efficiencies, assisting others with modeling problems, or mentoring newer team members.     Chapter Six of "The Connected Educator" emphasizes the creation of a personal learning network (PLN), and the creation of a co...
Read more