Summary
Personal learning networks (PLNs) are a way for us to grow in our knowledge about the world through interacting with people and resources. Today it is commonplace for people to participate in digital PLNs. Some examples of digital PLNs are twitter, Google voice, Skype, Second Life, Mailing Lists, Diigo, Ning, Delicious, Google Talk, wikis, and blogs. A person wanting to start a PLN can use these sources to gather information about a particular topic of interest. When creating a PLN, it is important to remember to include sources of varying perspectives. Challenging our own point-of-views is the best way to grow in our understanding of the world.
Questions
Q1. Can’t this overload of information be detrimental?
A1. A properly established PLN will not overload you with information. The best way to start a PLN is to keep things simple. Start with just a couple sources. From there you can add additional sources as you see their benefit. If you feel a particular source does not properly fit into your area of interest, you can delete it from you PLN. Your PLN will constantly change as you maintain it. It is an on-going process, and if done right, will have many benefits.
Q2. How can a well-established educator benefit from a PLN?
A2. All educators can benefit from a PLN, regardless of their professional experience. The benefit of a PLN is that it offers new perspective. Many established educators may have already exhausted all the current resources around them. A PLN can connect them with someone who may have undergone recent training in their subject area and who has a new perspective about how things should be done.
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