Journal #6- Grow Your Personal Learning Network

Warlick, D. (2009).Grow your personal learning network. Learning and Leading With Technology. Retrieved 5/6/09, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200904/

Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) refer to to the resources we use to supplement our knowledge about the world around us. While this has traditionally referred to our families, friends and colleagues, as well as books, television and radio, changes in information and communicative technology have allowed us to access people and ideas we would have never had access to otherwise. In the article, Warlick refers two three types of PLNs.

The first, known as "personally maintained synchronous connections" is the traditional network of people you consult to ask questions or solve problems. However, there are many new tools that make it easier (and cheaper) to communicate then ever before. Text messaging, teleconferencing tools (Skype, Ventrillo), Twitter and virtual worlds such as Second Life, allow for easy real-time communication.

Another PLN is what the author ref errs to as "personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections". Unlike traditional methods of communication which commonly occur in real-time, the Internet has revolutionized indirect communication methods, where people can communicate and collaborate with a community of people on their own schedules through tools such as blog comments, Facebook walls, and message boards.

The third type of PLN Warlick describes in his article is "dynamically maintained asynchronous connection". Unlike the first two PLNs where users go to the information, in this case the information comes to the user, which is largely accomplished through RSS feeds. Instead of visiting multiple blogs to check for new posts, by subscribing to various sites with tools such as Google Reader, you can have the information come directly to you as updates are made. PLNs have also made searching for information much easier. Rather then weeding through websites with a traditional Google search, social bookmarking tools such as Delicious make it easy to wade through the vast sea of information, since by someone bookmarking the website already, someone else has found it to be of value.

Question #1 What are some weaknesses of PLNs?
Although PLNs are a great way to learn and gather information, it's human nature to gravitate towards resources that agree with our own worldviews and beliefs. For maximum learning, in addition to "comfortable" resources, reach out to sources that directly challenge our ideas and viewpoints in order to be able to have better understanding and be able to think critically.

Question #2 How can PLNs be useful for teachers?
In order to be successful in the classroom, teachers need to be dedicated learners as well. The Internet has a wealth of tools to help teachers be more affective and dynamic. Looking for good lesson plan? Search Delicious for lesson plans other teachers have created. Subscribe to various educator blogs using RSS feeds to get ideas and inspiration. Share ideas and network with others you might have not otherwise been able to communicate with by reading and posting to various discussion boards and communities. These are just a few easy ways for teachers to expand their horizons and become a more educated educator.