PLN

I am by no means an expert on PLNs, but as they are a ‘personal’ network, I can give you my understanding of what this term actually means. A PLN is a Personal Learning Network. It has also been referred to as a Personal Learning Environment, although whether these terms refer to the same thing is up for debate.

A successful educator is one that will never stop learning and reflecting, not only about relevant developments in education and content, but also about their student’s lives, interests and learning styles. It is through modelling this behaviour and curiosity for the world around us that we can encourage students to become lifelong learners themselves. My understanding of the PLN, or Personal Learning Network, is that it allows us to do this. They are a way to constantly reflect on and discuss learnings and insights in the field of education.

Adam Staples describes PLNs as follows:

The acronym stands for Personal Learning Network and whilst there is nothing new about learning networks, personal or otherwise, the PLN of 2010 is new and offers those who subscribe to them an opportunity in terms of learning that has not been experienced before.

An individual builds a personal online repository which houses aspects of education that are of personal interest. As with any structure of substance small steps at the start are important. A suitable environment is needed, such as WordPress, as is time to start becoming familiar with the environment and its functions. With time the content of the PLN will become more comprehensive and focused, and a following will build up.

Once established a PLN becomes a community of practice in which educators with similar interests meet, communicate, share, create knowledge and continue to develop their understanding of and engagement with lifelong learning. (Staples, 2010, ePortfolio Australia Conference)

Students are progressively becoming more technologically savvy and the place of technology in the classroom is constantly changing. This change is occurring for educators also. If you are interested in learning more about PLNs or e-portfolios and will be in Australia in November, come and check out the ePortfolio Australia Conference 2010.

 

Here are some PLNs and blogs worth checking out:
– Mr Robbo (the P.E. Geek)
– Lexie’s Learning Space
– Darcy Moore’s Blog
– iLearn Technology
– Teacher RebootSpace

 

If you want to read more about what a PLN is, or how you can create one, take a gander through these gems:
– Teacher Boot Camp: 23 Resources about Personal Learning Networks
– Teacher Boot Camp: PLNs – Where Do We Begin?
– The Innovative Educator: 5 Things You Can Do to Begin Developing your PLN
– Teaching Village: What is a PLN anyway?
– Ramblings of a Professional Learning Community: How’s Your PLN?
– Your PLN: Personal Learning Networks – The Scoop