So what is this thing called a PLN (Personal Learning Network)? Well, if you are like most educators, you are committed to learning how you can help your students achieve success. Perhaps your biggest struggle, however, is finding the TIME to learn it all. We know that it is one of our biggest obstacles, but we have joined millions of educators worldwide who are connecting with social media and other technology to communicate, collaborate and create anywhere and at any time. (Watch this brief video to learn more about PLNs.) I have to say, I just love this part of being a global learner - it makes learning so much more fun.
The best part of a PLN is it’s personal! You choose with whom you want to connect, how you want to learn, when you want to learn and what tools you will use. You can inspire others by sharing out your thinking or be inspired by the ideas of other educators.
A simple Google search for Personal Learning Network yields 479,000 results, so you may be wondering where to start. We have outlined some ideas below to get you started:
- Twitter: a social network used by millions of people every day to send short messages to a global audience
- Check out this beginner’s guide for helpful tips!
- You can also participate in live Twitter chats - learn how here
- Webinar: A webinar is a live meeting that takes place over the web. The meeting can be a presentation, discussion, demonstration, or instructional session. Participants can view documents and applications via their computers, while shared audio allows for presentation and discussion.
- “Where do I begin?” Click here to learn more!
- Ideas for where to find and register for webinars:
- Teacher's Blogs: a blog is a frequently updated online personal journal or diary. It is a place to express yourself to the world. A place to share your thoughts and your passions
- Teacher’s Blo.
- A Google search (ex: 2nd-grade teacher blogs) can yield great results!
- Check out this Pinterest Board: Great Teacher Blogs
- Don’t forget about Facebook! “Liking” certain pages can expand your PLN and provide even more valuable connections. See literacy & technology ideas below:
- Units of Study in Teaching Writing Facebook group
- Two Writing Teachers Facebook page
- Educational Technology and Mobile Learning Facebook group
- Simple K12 Facebook group
Educators around the world are only one click away! By becoming a part of a PLN, you can learn something new every day and interact with educational leaders like Lucy Calkins - my favorite writing guru. Build your kingdom of learners today.
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