Where do you go when you need help with a problem or question? What if you are learning something new? Do you Google it? Do you go to the library? Do you ask your friends and colleagues?
If you answered that you ask your friends and colleagues then you already have a start to a Personal Learning Network (PLN).
What is a PLN?
Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) involves using Internet tools such as blogs, wikis, Twitter or Facebook to connect with others. This connection will then allow for you to learn from each other as part of a larger community. PLNs increase our opportunities to ask questions and receive help compared to our normal daily face-to-face interactions.
Think about it, you have a PLN with your colleagues. If need help or have a question, you call them or walk up to them and ask a question and hopefully they can answer. Well, why not have an online PLN where you can reach and connect with educators and other professionals from around the state, country, and world. Talk about a great resource!
Connect – Collaborate – Contribute
So, as you become part of a PLN, you become aware of learning that is happening around the world and you then become connected to that learning. Once you are connected, you and become empowered by what you are learning then then start sharing back.
How to get started with a PLN:
- First you need to sign up for an account with one of the services. After you have an account, start looking around and find people and groups with the same interests as you
- With Twitter – follow someone you know, like me (@fifer1863) and see who they follow.
- Search for blogs and web sites that cover topics you are interested in and subscribe to them via email or RSS feed. See who they follow and blogs they subscribe to also.
Resources for PLN:
- Twitter – http://twitter.com/
- Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/
- Blogger – http://www.blogger.com/
- Discovery Educator Network – http://community.discoveryeducation.com/
- Wiki’s – Wiki’s are interactive web pages that allow multiple people to edit. It’s a great way to share resources and ideas and let people add their own resources.
- WikiSpaces – http://www.wikispaces.com/
- PBWorks – http://pbworks.com/
So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and start learning.