So what is a Personal Learning Network?
(click on images to enlarge)
At a workshop with a group of high school teachers I was asked how I learnt all the things that I demonstrated. Since I don’t have an IT back ground or any formal education in technology, nor was there an IT guru at my school, I had to go online to access people who could show me new techniques.
Over the last few years I have slowly explored a number of ways that I can access personal, professional development, anywhere, anytime, customised to my interests! Sound good? The end result is a network of online communities that I am a member of.
Everyone’s Personal Learning Network will look a little different, but essentially the idea is the same. Let me give you an example of how my journey started.
Over the last few years I have slowly explored a number of ways that I can access personal, professional development, anywhere, anytime, customised to my interests! Sound good? The end result is a network of online communities that I am a member of.
Everyone’s Personal Learning Network will look a little different, but essentially the idea is the same. Let me give you an example of how my journey started.
Maang - my first steps into PLNs
Eample of a Maang conversation
It all started when I needed to learn a piece of software for my students, but no one in my school could help me and I was unable to go to a training course, so I turned to Maang, the DEC micro blogging service. I simply posted a question “can anyone help me….”. Through Maang other teachers were able to point me in the right direction. Thanks Maang!
Edmodo rocks!
Another teacher sharing on Edmodo
Edmodo is a very good communication tool for teachers and
students. I have been using it since the start of 2012. Edmodo has a “community”
feature that gives teachers a space to connect, from right around the world,
around subject areas. In this community section I saw someone use a Web 2 tool
that I found interesting, that gave me something else to investigate!
Here is a page that describes lots of Edmodo groups aimed at supporting teachers, I'm sure you'll find something that interests you. Thanks Edmodo! Have a question? Contact me. |
Twitter - really?
A snapshot from my twitter page
Although I never set out to develop a PLN, my own learning needs pushed into that direction. I love learning and technology changes so often that I continued to look for ways I would develop my skills and grow my understanding. While I was at a workshop, the presenter encouraged us to use Twitter, I did not take her very seriously, but thought I’d give it a go anyway. I signed up and began to “follow” people who shared my interests, technology in education, and soon I was receiving a stream of ideas that directed me to professional reading and resources perfect for me! There is so much in my twitter now, I don't try to keep up with everything, just when I have a bit of spare time. Thanks Twitter!
YouTube MeA free and easy way to tap into the skills of others
I use YouTube a lot to learn new skills, and I can do it WHERE I want and WHEN I want, learning from WHO I want. This makes YouTube a perfect addition to my PLN. I’ve used it to learn how to set up a minecraft server, improve my software skills, discover solutions to complex in-game problems, get ideas for teaching, become inspired by motivational speakers and publish student work. Yes, YouTube and I have a wonderful relationship. Thanks YouTube!
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