Time to reflect on the programme as a whole and on what I want to do next, then.I've never done a professional development programme entirely online before and this format (or rather I in relation to the format) had both strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths: could do it in my own time and at my own pace; highly interactive and hands-on; informal; participatory; plugged into my existing social networks.
Weaknesses: could (fail to) do it in my own time and at my own pace; isolated physically from other participants if not electronically; easy to 'cheat' and/or misunderstand instructions.
So while it was great to be introduced to new tools and techniques (and people), it was also easy to avoid engaging more deeply with Things that I didn't like the look of (eg. Thing 11, Thing 21). As I said in my very first post I am a lazy article sometimes, prone to short-cuts and half-measures. A flexible learning programme without deadlines or a trainer/leader breathing down my neck is brilliant for creativity, but does risk playing to that side of my personality...
What next?
I'm thrilled that I have found practical applications for many of the Things covered and will be continuing to use them (Evernote, Jing, wikis, Prezi). I also want to keep up some sort of regular reflective practice - I'm getting busier and busier at work so this is both more difficult and more important than ever. Blogging has been a good way to do this during cpd23, but I think I'll probably start afresh rather than continue here.
I'm not quite ready to do a Personal Development Plan yet, but I will report back if and when I come up with something. And when I have a new blog, possibly!
Photo by Jennerally on Flickr
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