Warlick, D. (2009). Grow Your Personal Learning Network. Learning & Leading With Technology, 36(6), 12-16.
David Warlick addresses the value of using a Personal Learning Network to communicate with the world and share ideas with other educators. He goes above and beyond explaining the different types of PLNs and how they are beneficial for everyone. There are several Personal Learning Network tools such as, Diigo, Blogger, Skype, Twitter, wikis, and the list goes on. Before reading this article I did not know what a PLN was and what it is used for. I now discovered that my favorite PLN tool that I often use is Blogger and Skype. I recently studied abroad in Europe for six months and these tools worked effectively for communicating with my family and friends across the world. I was able to post updates about my travels on the blog and connect with people through skype. The best thing about using the PLN tools is it is all FREE! It is useful for all educators because they are able to learn and teach new techniques through the use of technology.
There are three types of PLNs: Synchronous, Semisynchronous, and Asynchronous connections. Synchronous is the customary network that comprises the people and places you confer with to ask questions and achieve goals. This includes using tools like Twitter, Skype, and instant messaging. Semisynchronous refers “to the idea that collaboration doesn’t have to happen in real time.” People can participate in chats and group discussion boards on their own time without a specific schedule. Tools that can be used to build this type of network include, facebook and Google Docs. Lastly, Asynchronous connects us with content sources. The main tool used is the RSS aggregator. Aggregators such as Diigo, a social bookmarking site that allows you to bookmark significant information and categorize the most valuable websites found.
Q: Do you think the use of PLNs would be beneficial to utilize in the classroom with Elementary level students? If so, name a few tools that would be successful in the classroom.
A: Yes, I believe it would be valuable for the students to determine a Personal Learning Network that would be effective for them. The best tool for Elementary level students would be blogger because the teacher could make it into a collaborative activity with the whole class.
Q: What are the benefits of creating a PLN?
A: There are several benefits once you create a PLN. It may seem like a difficult task at first to get organized, but it is a great way to communicate with other educators. You can share your ideas and also learn some new concepts along the way.
A: There are several benefits once you create a PLN. It may seem like a difficult task at first to get organized, but it is a great way to communicate with other educators. You can share your ideas and also learn some new concepts along the way.
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