Personal Learning Network – What's it to you?

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After watching the video on networked students I immediately thought of who was in my Personal Learning Network? Who do I reach out to for ideas, thoughts, guidance, etc? How do we connect? I then thought about whose network I was member of, and specifically, whose network do I support?

I learn the most from my use of Social Media. Using Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs and now Twitter (thank you Dr. Thompson!) to connect with friends, professors, classmates, and other professionals involved in the Education Technology community, has been an invaluable tool. With these sites, I can communicate and learn, firsthand, about virtually any topic almost instantly. The information shared, and topics considered are usually accurate as those in my network, I personally selected and trust. An added bonus to my PLN is reaping the benefits of my PLN’s network, as they too, presumably have quality people to whom they can reach out. The beauty of this concept of Personal Learning Networks is how quality and relevant resources and information are being evaluated, tested, filtered and shared constantly and on SUCH a huge scale to support one another. Take this, for example: I can share a lesson that I’ve created, with a member of my network. He uses it, loves it, then shares MY lesson, his experiences, successes, and recommendations with his network and in theory, this could continue on and on. It’s impressive to think that something I generated could benefit someone anywhere in the world. In return, I can benefit from the same thing. Granted, I would tend to be more cautious as the connection becomes more distant. But that’s not to say the consideration would not be made and/or tailored to my specific wants and needs. 

As I consider myself an integral piece of the members of my PLN, whether they know it or not, I am also that to the networks of my colleagues and definitely my students (yes, students). Most of the teachers at my school know me. They know who I am, what I teach, and most importantly, that I am the “techie teacher”.  But, for whatever reason, while the interest in integrating technology may be there (or maybe not) very few teachers on campus regularly reach out for ideas and support. For most, my role to them is rather one sided as they may not immediately see the value in all that I propose. Regardless, I know they see what I post. They read what I suggest, and maybe not immediately, but “when they have time” inevitably, will go for it, take the plunge, and do something new and technologically innovative for their lessons. (Win!) The images below are a sample of what I have posted to our school’s email conference and a list of everyone who read one of my postings and suggestions. It’s pretty impressive, no? 

I made this posting at the beginning of the year to let my teachers know about Dropbox and give them a few suggestions on how they could use it to make their jobs MUCH easier.

My students, fortunately, lack the luxury of being so passive with my involvement in their Personal Learning Network. Aside from my role as their teacher, I FREQUENTLY push them to learn more through using technology to support and enhance their own learning experience. As in the Networked Student video, my students often participate in class discussions (Edmodo) with each other to share resources, videos, and websites they have found useful on a specific or lesson. They, unbeknownst to them, evaluate websites to determine quality and reliability as they relate to our lessons. They also, determine a site’s relevance to them and their needs for mastering a lesson. They use Web 2.0 tools to create personalized material and content. They even watch and create reflections based on videos I have posted that related to how AWESOME and functional using technology is for their learning!

To me, using your Personal Learning Network is as important as being a functional member of other’s PLNs. In doing so we perpetuate great ideas and concepts, modify those that require change(s), and continually support on another, the needs of those involved in education, ending with the students’. I believe the quote is “It’s better to give than to receive”. In this case, those in need are usually teachers looking for a better way to reach his/her kids. So, what better way than to lend support and indirectly make an impact on a student?