I came across an interesting discussion post in a course I am teaching. The post wanted to know where I learn and how I manage my professional learning network (PLN) I try to respond in a variety of ways to model possible responses, and for this one I created an infographic.
Oddone et al., (2019) remind us that the theory of connectivism is more than just using networks to gain new knowledge, but more about the individual who is driven to learning and collects and synthesizes that new knowledge into the individual’s situation. I like this prompt because it assumes the generation and management of a PLN is an individual’s job. Creating and managing a PLN demonstrates initiative beyond any one job or employer and more commitment to a profession. In the digital age, you should have a healthy professional PLN presence to signal to future employers your core passions.
I have recently shifted day jobs and find it comforting that most of my PLN connections are intact. Consider that when educators move much of their local knowledge reverts to zero, whereas my PLN remains intact and keeps my up to speed, just learning local terminology. My PLN has really come through this school year for me!
References
Oddone, K., Hughes, H., & Lupton, M. (2019). Teachers as Connected Professionals: A Model to Support Professional Learning Through Personal Learning Networks. International Review of Research in Open & Distance Learning, 20(3), 102–120. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v20i4.4082
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