Journal 6: Grow Your Personal Learning Network (Nets T-5)

Warlick, D. (2009). Grow your personal learning network. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-march-april-2009.aspx 

PLN, Personal Learning Network, is a way that educators can tap into connected communities to find information on suggested lesson plans, current events and trends, opportunities and resources. PLN's open the door of possibilities. The people in your network offer expertise and perspectives and are in a position to help you do your job. It helps us as educators to roam beyond our normal geographical reach. With PLN's you can enhance communication with the use of twitter, face chat, Skype, etc.  The only difference, you can hold a conversation in the comfort of your own home without the traditional barriers of traveling, language, and culture. On PLNs tools such as twitter or blogs, people are also able to communicate when they have the time or when it best fits their schedule. It is important to maintain your responsibility when involved in a PLN network. A word of the wise, start small and devote some of your time. This is why we must cultivate networks that challenge our thinking and frame of reference. So our students can learn to teach themselves and are constantly challenging themselves.

A list of PLN's tools: Diigo, Delicious, Twitter, Skype. Second Life, Google Reader, Ning, Mailing Lists, Google Talks, wikis, and blogs.

 1. What are some tips to help create and grow a PLN network for individuals new to the concept.

Start small with the number of networks to subscribe to. Make sure to keep everything organized. Learn to use Diigo or delicious, this is a bookmark site that keeps tags of websites you bookmarked and is available on any computer. Invest some time but also give make sure to have time for yourself. Remember people might follow your bookmarks or blogs so maintain your responsibility.

  2. How can I benefit from this as an educator?

I can benefit from PLNs because I am able to create my own network where I can follow people who share similar interest. I am able to ask for advice and receive expert opinions as well as different perspectives. I have the ability to research lesson plans used by fellow educators and try my own twist in my classroom.