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AASL's Professional Learning Communities

AASL is answering the call for greater flexibility for member participation with the launch of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).  Full of new, interactive features, AASL’s Professional Learning Communities aim to make it easier for members to network, learn, and conduct the business of the Association.

• What is a Professional Learning Community?
• Who can join the AASL PLCs?
• How do I join the PLC?

What is a Professional Learning Community?

• It’s a controlled web environment in which groups of members can collaborate and network.
• Online tools include capabilities for virtual meetings and sharing of information for work groups (such as member interest groups, committees and task forces).
• It's a members-only virtual space for posting relevant links, resources, documents, files, photos, meeting notices, etc.
• Included are online meeting tools such as live chat, bulletin boards, file sharing, message center and more! See this PowerPoint presentation that highlights some of the features.
• It’s a one-stop destination for people with common interests to connect and communicate with their peers.
• The AASL Professional Learning Community pilot is the Teaching for Learning Community (please read instructions below before you acess the environment)

Who can join the AASL PLCs?

• All current ALA members have access to the general ALA Online Communities space.
• All AASL members have access to the general AASL Professional Learning Communities space.
• Members of more than one division can access all of their divisions’ Communities.  Members of multiple groups (divisions or round tables or committees) will see more Communities listed on their homepage (once they log in).
• Committee, section and task force members can access their own Community if one is set up.

How do I join the PLC?

• Make sure to use Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE). The software works best with IE; some features may not work correctly with Firefox or Safari or other browsers.
• Have your ALA login and password ready.  Typically your login is your ALA member number and the password consists of your initials and zip code.  If you don’t have your login information, you’ll need to call ALA Customer Service at 800-545-2433, option 5.
• Go to: http://communities.ala.org and follow login instructions. You will be taken to the main ALA page and will see "My Communities" link in the left-hand panel, which will list all currently active communities you can participate in.
• To go right to the Teaching for Learning Community page, follow the link or get more information.
• You can also download this PowerPoint presentation that highlights some of the features of PLCs and instructions for joining.