1. Helping Preservice Teachers Build an
Online PLN in Assistive Technology
Brian W. Wojcik, Ed.D., ATP
Special Education Assistive Technology Center
Illinois State University

2. The Plan
– Preparing the Experience
– Assigning the Experience
• Phase 1 - Building the Network
• Phase 2 - Managing and Refining Network
• Phase 3 - Contributing and Participating
– Assessing and Evaluating the Experience

3. Preparing The Experience

4. Assigning the Experience
Phase 1 - Building the Network
Phase 2 - Managing and Refining
Network
Phase 3 - Contributing and
Participating

5. Phase 1 – Building the Network
• Point students to build
their networks
• Encourage them to ‘try
on’ different services in
earnest
• Set up checkpoints to
allow students to report
progress and ask
questions

6. Phase 2 – Managing and Refining
Network
• Provide options for
students to manage
information
• Start discussing their
ideas regarding what
services work well for
them personally

7. Phase 3 – Contributing and
Participating
• Provide strategies for
the students to
contribute to their PLN
– Ask questions
– Comment on others’
posts
– Create original posts
• Help students
understand their role in
their PLN

8. Assessing and Evaluating the
Experience
• Reflection of what was
learned
• Documentation of
effective participation
within the PLN
• Analysis of what
tools/strategies/services
were found to be
personally most effective
• Explanation of future
plans/directions in
expanding and
participating in the PLN