PLN and Community Exploration…….

 What is a PLN…. 

A PLN or Personal Learning Network is a web-based group of professional, academic and personal connections to help foster growth through online interactions. Teaching is often enhanced through participation with others and collaboration. In these groups, teachers share ideas, resources and advice. Oftentimes, these are formed through social media.    

Image Source: Getting Smart

Are PLNs and PLCs the Same……. 

Some of you might be wondering if this is any different than the PLC (Personal Learning Community) that I participate in at my school.  While these groups are similar, they are different.  A PLC is a group of educators that meet in person to collaborate, improve teaching skills.  The overall main focus is to improve the academic performance of their students. 

In a PLN (Personal Learning Network) you connect to take charge of your own personal development and enhance your own personal learning and are not fully focused on student achievement. 

Which ways do your PLNs support you??

This week I took a deeper dive into my PLNs, my reasoning for being part of them, and the support I look to receive. We join PLNs for support and growth. The PLNs we join might change as the “seasons” of life we are in change so that they provide the support we need when we need it. Dr. Torrey Trust, an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst  has conducted research on Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) in education. Dr. Trust's research provides valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of PLNs, highlighting their potential to support continuous learning and innovation in education. She discussed  that PLNs support educators in 4 ways of growth: affective, social, cognitive, and identity. (Videos linked to explain each type)  I found that when looking at my own PLNs that my biggest area of support is social. As the only elementary art teacher in my building, it can often feel like I am teaching on my own island. So for me one major support my PLNs offer me is a social connection with fellow art educators. The next areas of support that my PLN offers me are affective and cognitive support. A few years ago I  made the shift from secondary art to elementary art and felt a little lost.  My PLNs have helped me find my groove and footing as an elementary teacher, have opened new ways of teaching concepts and tools so that I am the best teacher that I can be. 

So why join a PLN…… 

Individually, we may be knowledgeable, but when we collaborate, our collective intelligence shines brightly. PLNs provide opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and support, helping teachers enhance their teaching practices and stay motivated and inspired in their teaching journey.  By being part of (PLN) you create a sense of community online that allows you to connect with other educators, share ideas, resources, and best practices, and stay updated with the latest trends and developments in education. Additionally, having your PLNs can help expand youe professional network, leading to new opportunities for collaboration, career advancement, and personal development.

Image Source: OSU Library  

Setting up a PLN…. 

Setting up a PLN (personal learning network)  is easy and can be done through social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, where educators can join groups or follow groups related to their interests. Additionally, teachers can join online communities, attend conferences or workshops, and participate in webinars to expand their PLN. Below is an infographic I created to break down setting a PLN in 5 simple steps.  

Image Source: Author / Created in Canva 

Resources for building/setting up your PLN (Also used for creating the my infographic above)

• Cathy L. Green, O. S. U. (2020a, August 28). Personal learning networks: Defining and building a PLN. Learning in the Digital Age.https://open.library.okstate.edu/learninginthedigitalage/chapter/personal-learning-networks_defining-and-building-a-pln/

• Pattenhouse, M. (2021, February 22). 4 ways to build a strong professional learning network for Innovation and Growth - Edsurge News. EdSurge. https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-02-16-4-ways-to-build-a-strong-professional-learning-network-for-innovation-and-growth

• Staff, T., & About The Author  TeachThought Staff  TeachThought is an organization dedicated to innovation in education through the growth of outstanding teachers. (2023, November 9). 10 reasons every teacher needs a Professional Learning Network. TeachThought. https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/why-every-teacher-needs-a-professional-learning-network/

• Ward, R. (2017, June 30). An introduction to twitter education chats. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/introduction-twitter-education-chats-robert-ward 

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Image Source: Free Icons PNG

Conclusion….. 

We all want to be part of a community, to be part of a group that makes us feel we belong, a group that supports us, a group that inspires. However, I think one of the key factors to establishing a successful PLN is diversity.  Participating in various communities with different focuses creates an enriching learning environment.  By engaging with diverse communities and resources, educators can expand their knowledge, gain new perspectives, and ultimately, improve their teaching practice. This is particularly simple in a digital space, where one has the entire world at their fingertips for inspiration.   Building a PLN is not only beneficial but also a rewarding experience that can lead to lifelong learning and growth. I know that from my own personal experience with my PLN it has helped spark new ideas, find a community of art teachers who inspire me grow and  to become better so that I can offer the best of myself and innovative experiences for my students. So I leave you with this question, what type of PLN support do you look for ? I hope that you all are able to find your “community” and your own PLN  help inspire you and your teaching.

Resources: 

Author, G. (2012, January 31). Personal Learning Networks for educators: 10 tips. Getting Smart. https://www.gettingsmart.com/2012/01/31/personal-learning-networks-for-educators-10-tips/

Cathy L. Green, O. S. U. (2020a, August 28). Personal learning networks: Defining and building a PLN. Learning in the Digital Age. https://open.library.okstate.edu/learninginthedigitalage/chapter/personal-learning-networks_defining-and-building-a-pln/

Cathy L. Green, O. S. U. (2020b, August 28). Personal learning networks: Defining and building a PLN. Learning in the Digital Age. https://open.library.okstate.edu/learninginthedigitalage/chapter/personal-learning-networks_defining-and-building-a-pln/

Home. PLN Course. (n.d.). https://websites.umass.edu/plncourse/1-4-what-are-the-benefits-of-a-pln/#:~:text=watch%20the%20videos%20here

Icons community download png transparent background, free download #29134 - Freeiconspng. freeiconspng.com. (n.d.). https://www.freeiconspng.com/img/29134

Pattenhouse, M. (2021, February 22). 4 ways to build a strong professional learning network for Innovation and Growth - Edsurge News. EdSurge. https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-02-16-4-ways-to-build-a-strong-professional-learning-network-for-innovation-and-growth

Staff, T., & About The Author      TeachThought Staff  TeachThought is an organization dedicated to innovation in education through the growth of outstanding teachers. (2023, November 9). 10 reasons every teacher needs a Professional Learning Network. TeachThought. https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/why-every-teacher-needs-a-professional-learning-network/

Ward, R. (2017, June 30). An introduction to twitter education chats. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/introduction-twitter-education-chats-robert-ward