PLN

I have learned a lot about a PLN. In my opinion, a PLN is community of professionals giving and taking ideas through a network of resources propelled by technology. It is all about connectivity to build growth and knowledge. As a first year teacher, building a PLN means that I get the opportunity to grow in the profession where I have a lot to learn. In addition, I can share some of my ideas and projects with others. PLN is the true definition of “It takes a village.” In part 1 of our assignment, we learned more about a PLN. A connected educator is one that explores tools and resources in collaboration with other professionals (Morris, 2018). In the reading, I learned about using Twitter as a way to communicate ideas and receive ideas. I have some experience with Twitter, but this website has provided me with more opportunities to enhance my PLN experience on Twitter. I can also look at some other forums like podcasts, video-chats, and websites. PLN’s have communities where teachers network through online platforms building relationships through a variety of topics (EduBlogs, 2018). I am interested in engaging in the TwitterChat networks, such as #nt2t and #kinder chat. The first chat descibed is for support using twitter as educators. The second chat described is for teachers in the early-childhood field. These forums/chats will help me as a first year teacher. This is not my first time learning about a PLN. In a previous course on teaching information and media literacy, we created a Twitter account and explored some educational communities. This is how I learned about groups such as #kinder chat.

In reading and listening to resources in Part 1, I also learned that PLN helps connect with people around the world. I think that PLN gives different perspectives and learning experiences that you can capitalize on. While I think that connections with your colleagues and school community are important, sometimes this does not bring the diversity of fresh or new ideas. When you build a PLN, it is almost as if you build in more virtual colleagues to group communications.

In response to Part 2: PLN’s lead to Professional Learning Communities or PLC’s. A connected educator is a collaborative educator. Now, we have the beauty of technology to help propel connectivity around the world. The connected educator is a life-long learner and shares their ideas. I see that Twitter is a huge platform that educators use to communicate. It is important to be a connected educator because we are in a world that is constantly changing and it is our job to make sure that we are current in our teaching practices and in our profession.

In my first year of teaching, I have really struggled with questions such as: what exactly am I doing? Am I teaching this the right way? My county is amazing at providing resources and amazing feedback, but it would be nice to have some additional feedback from veteran teachers as well as other first-year teachers. The overall goal through PLN seems to be knowledge through collaboration. Connected learners have the advantage of sharing this connection and knowledge no matter the time of day (Office of Ed Tech, 2013).

EduBlogs. (2018, July 11). Step 1: What is PLN? [Position statement]. Retrieved from https://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/pln-define/

Morris, K. (2018). Step 1:What is a PLN? [Position statement]. Retrieved from https://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/pln-define/#Being_A_Connected_Educator

Office of Ed Tech. (2013, September 18). Connected educators [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4Vd4JP_DB8&feature=youtu.be