I was sitting on the train the other day listening to episode 1 of Dr Ruben Puentedura’s Game and Learn Series (our first series that we are reflecting on for The Pod Book Club) and my mind began wandering off to thinking about the fact that I wasn’t just listening to a podcast, but that I was actually PD-ing myself in the process. Yes, very obvious to some but I just wanted to explain why I really thought about it then and why I think it will very effective professional development for me.

1. I can do it anytime and anywhere I like.

I suffer from a modern day affliction – super busy-ness. It’s a common condition which leaves me, and all other sufferers, severely lacking in time. So to be able to use time more effectively is a good thing. (yes, it’s ok to sit there on a train and just stare out the window and think about nothing and we could all do with a bit more if that,  but if you’re in the mood to think about something…) It was early in the morning this particular day so I was all alert and ready to learn

2. It’s bite sized chunks – easier on my brain

You know that feeling when you are at a conference or workshop when your brain switches off but the presenter doesn’t? Well with pd-ing myself I have control over how much information I’m exposed to at any one time. This lets me give myself more time to absorb things to a deeper level which lets me get more value out of whatever it is I am learning about. Quality over quantity.

3. It’s stuff I really want to know about.

I’ve chosen the series I want to listen to because I’m interested in learning more about games and education right now. So, it’s perfect timing and relevant to a resource I’m developing as well as ones I have ideas about developing next year. It’s the sort of information I need right now, not just something i’ll learn about and will consider doing something with in the future. Because I am interested now I’m more likely to follow up links and further my knowledge with extended reading or listening depending on what resource I come across.

I was thinking about this because I have to update my PD log for school and any listening to podcasts that I do will count towards the hours of PD I need to do for teacher registration requirements.

Of course this not the only way one could get PD, but for me it’s very effective especially when as part of The Pod Book Club I’ll be posting reflections on what I’ve learnt and will be able to engage in online conversations with people who are much cleverer than me! Those connections are what will top it all off and I’ve got access (as we all do) to the author himself if I need further clarification. So:

Relevant topic + podcast format + my PLN = watch out world I’m learning!

Please share your stories of PD-int yourself with all this online goodness that we have. Also got a good podcast series for me?!

Oh and of course this is a good reminder of what it is we teach, when and how to our students.

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