Image credit: Henkster
A few years ago Twitter, Google Reader and online communities were concepts I hadn’t paid much attention to. Now they are an essential part of my world. What’s changed? Why have they become so valuable?
These applications connect me to learning; they form part of my PLN (personal learning network).
What a PLN can do
This network is a collection of individuals’ ideas, links and knowledge that they share freely. It is personal—I tailor it, selecting who and what topics I will follow. It connects me to experts in the field—both known and unknown—all with amazing abilities to share. From these people I learn more about teaching and education, about reflection, about the latest applications and other topics that I am interested in.
My PLN challenges me to think and consider aspects that I may never have otherwise. It gives me opportunity to contribute and exchange ideas through my blog, twitter account and online communities. It’s exciting to have such access to a range of rich content.
Try building your own PLN
If you haven’t tried it out and want to give it a go, start out by subscribing to a blog of someone who inspires you, or follow them on twitter. Add people as you ‘find’ them and before you know it, you will have a PLN that supports you.
Good places to start online networking are:
My challenge to you is to explore and see what PLN you might build. If you already have a PLN, please post a comment and share some of your favourites with us.