Personal Learning Networks

I hadn't heard of a personal learning network before this class. Since I've been learning about PLN's and what they encompass I've been reflecting back on the years I've spent learning and networking and how that has impacted my work as a teacher.

Learning came in two forms. I was sent to a conference - that I didn't get to choose - or I had an "in house" training on a topic - that I didn't get to choose. Networking came from talking shop with the same work colleagues that I saw every day or exchanging business cards with strangers around the punch table while awkwardly making small talk. Personal didn't factor into the equation; my hope was that something would be discussed that was relevant to what I teach and that I could actually utilize in my day to day work. This usually didn't pan out.

So for me a PLN is a customized experience of my own choosing. It's personal because I've made the choice to participate, I've chosen the manner in which I participate, and I interact with others at my own comfort level. The learning that takes place is designed by me on the topics that I feel would be most beneficial for myself and my classroom. Networking is done on a global scale across many types of platforms. This really lets me stay as up to date as possible on any given topic.

The best thing, for me, is that a PLN is available 24/7. I don't have to worry about cost, travel, or rearranging my schedule to fit in time to learn. Also, PLN's are populated by a wide variety of professionals. This means I can join groups and discussions with teachers, principals, professors, and other experts of the field and utilize perspectives from across the board. This website tells a little bit about just what a PLN is and includes some really nice videos http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/pln-challenge-1-what-the-heck-is-a-pln/

In doing my research on PLN I've come to conclude that the main definition of PLN is sharing, collaborating, and learning also know as connectivism or learning from diverse social webs. This article describes the concept of connectivism in a little more detail
http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_05/article01.htm

This website http://gettingsmart.com/2013/01/20-tips-for-creating-a-professional-learning-network/ is a general site for tips to set up a PLN and the general etiquette surrounding responsible use. I liked the distinction made between personal and professional information and the tips for keeping the two separate. It also has many different ways to network through the use of technological tools that I've never heard of. If I want to be transliterate then I have to keep up with the different options available for use. I have to keep learning so that I can keep teaching!

I think these 10 tips for someone just starting a PLN were very useful http://gettingsmart.com/2012/01/personal-learning-networks-for-educators-10-tips/
I'm the type of person to get easily frustrated with technology especially if I don't feel the reward is justifiable to the amount of effort put forth. These tips address this issue and encourage a bit of patience while you establish your network.

Overall, a PLN will help me grow as a teacher both in and out of the classroom. I have a professional obligation to myself to continue to learn and grow in my field and PLN's seem like a great way to stay in touch with what is going on now in education all over the world. I can ask questions, debate topics, or tell about all the great things I'm doing in my classroom. I can then use that knowledge to enhance my teaching. I can also use PLN's to create virtual learning scenarios with other teachers and classrooms anywhere in the world. The uses and advantages of a PLN grow every day and are only a click away!