Professional Learning: Digging Deeper

Learning Activity

A Professional Learning Network (sometimes referred to as Personal Learning Network) is a group of people with whom you engage and exchange information. There is an abundance of valuable resources on the web. In addition to traditional PD, more and more educators are turning to their PLN for their professional learning needs. Rather than being provided with PD in the traditional sense, educators are seeking out their own connections, both face to face and virtual, with networks of co-learners to share resources, ideas, information, upcoming events to improve their professional practice. Social media tools allow educators to extend their professional learning networks and become part of a global community of co-learners to network virtually and connect with people with similar interests around the world. 

Why participate in a Professional Learning Network? 
As demonstrated in the video above, a PLN is about making connections and building relationships with individuals with specific intent. The backbone of this network is people joining together and sharing varied perspectives on teaching strategies, educational issues, and technologies. This sharing of ideas, resources, collaboration and learning with and from people around the world are all benefits of the PLN. 

Here are some ways that educators use their PLNs: 

• Obtain lesson plan ideas 
• Locate resources to use and share with their students 
• Interact with experts in their content areas 
• Discuss new standards, pedagogies, and regulations 
• Keep up-to-date with the latest education news 
• Learn about new technology and how to effectively integrate into their teaching 
• Learn about upcoming webinars, workshops, and conferences 
• Share success stories from the classroom

For this activity, you will need to watch the video linked in the Resources section then answer the questions below:

1. In what ways do you gain inspiration from your PLN?
2. How do you aggregate the various pieces of information you learn and collect from your PLN?
3. In what way do you see the pieces of your PLN integrating with each other?
4. How does your PLN apply to your professional learning goals?

Resources