If my summer “break” had a theme, it would be PLN. I didn't start out in June looking to learn about...let alone grow…my PLN (Personal Learning Network), but I am so glad I did! Here's why:
- familiarity--I came to realize I have had a PLN for a long time. It just wasn't named or in the newest form. When I began my teaching career my network was mainly my coworkers. However, I was fortunate to teach a "new" class we called Readiness, which gave students who weren't "ready" to be successful in first grade an extra year to build their skills. This opportunity expanded my network to include all the Readiness teachers in the school system. When the internet arrived in my school and home, I joined a listserv of 2nd grade teachers which opened my PLN to new collaborators from across the country and a few from other countries. My inbox was constantly full and I chomped at the bit to get home and get new ideas. Now my network is evolving again with Twitter, Pinterest, and blogs. The more important difference this time is I have instant access to authors, pioneers, and experts in the related fields of education.
- awareness--Realizing “PLN” just gave my support network a title, the next thing that became clear was I had disconnected myself from my established system. Once I moved into administration I desperately needed mentors who could help me be a successful leader.
- comfort--Familiarity and awareness combined with the training I got from eLearning and Todd Nesloney’s Summer Learning Series challenges gave me confidence that I could form a quick habit of growing, connecting with, and learning from my “new” network.
- connectedness--Now I can connect with educators from all over the world at any time to see what’s trending, ask for help, offer my experience, or get ideas for interacting with staff, students, and community.
I’d love to have more people join my network! If you’re interested, please follow me on Twitter @rtinkerap. Or click the Follow button at the top of my Twitter feed here on my blog (in the right column).
Please comment with how you use your PLNs and/or what resources you have found helps you grow your PLNs.
Hi Rhonda! I'm so proud to be part of your PLN. It's great to learn, connect, and grow with my colleague, friend,and administrator. What I love most about Twitter and my PLN is how it has enabled me to connect with rockstar educators all over the country- and the world! I've broken down the walls of my classroom and learned from educators from California like @lindayollis and amazing administrators from Texas like @TechNinjaTodd and an American teacher in Finland @timdwalk. I've learned about digital leadership from Eric Sheninger @NMHS_Principal and changing the world with two words from @AngelaMaiers. I've connected with an author @peterhreynolds and an artist @fuglefun and even a pirate @burgessdave. And I've done it all from my couch in my pajamas! Wow!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen, for your comment…and for turning me on to the Summer Learning Series!! I love learning with you!
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