What's a PLN & Why Should I Have One?

Before beginning graduate classes this fall, I honestly had never heard of a PLN.  This week, I read an article called “Pleased to Tweet You” by Kate Messner, an author and teacher.  According to her article, a PLN is “a group of like-minded professionals with whom you can exchange ideas, advice, and resources.”  To me, a PLN is the use of social networking tools to connect with peers and colleagues in order to support and enhance an individual’s life-long learning.  This can be achieved through various technology platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, to name a few.  

The biggest thing that makes PLNs so valuable is the P- it’s personal.  Each person can use a PLN to set goals, discover new resources, and connect with knowledgeable peers in their area of interest.  Also, with the variety of online networking tools, people have the ability to choose tools that match their goals, and personal preferences.  One great point made by Eric Patnoudes in this article “Why (and How) You Should Create a Personal Learning Network,” was that PLNs are “two-way streets.”  In other words, it’s important for educators to not only just “listen in” to PLNs, but to also participate.  As educators, we know how important active engagement is to learning, and being part of a PLN means offering your own contributions.  Another reason why PLNs may be so important is that they are an inexpensive way for educators to participate in professional development.

As someone who just learned about PLNs recently, I am still in the stages of exploring and learning about how I can use these tools.  However, the more I read about PLNs, the more I realize that I actually do use some already.  For example, I use Pinterest when looking for ideas for different units of study, and also visit education-related blogs.  In the past few months I have created my own blog and have learned how to use Twitter.  However, I will admit that with the majority of my networking tools, I am more of a “listener” than a participant. 

Therefore, the way that I personally would use PLNs in the classroom right now would be to first establish my own.  That way, I can not only grow as a professional, but also become more knowledgeable for when I help my students create their own PLNs.  By becoming more aware of the tools available and beginning to try using them on my own, I am starting to think of ways that I might personally use them in the classroom.  For example, this week during a language arts lesson I thought "We could Tweet that!"  Also, I need to become more of an active participant in some of my social networking connections.  These will be important steps for me in order to be an effective model and teacher when discussing social networking and PLNs with my students.

For more info, check out…

PLN Pinterest Board- This Pinterest board includes resources for starting your own PLN, and utilizing individual social networking sites as part of a PLN.

The Educator’s PLN- This website helps educators develop their own PLNs.