Warlick, D. (2009). Grow your personal learning network. Leading and Learning With Technology, 36(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-march-april-2009.aspx
In this article, Warlick discusses how Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) are imperative for educators who want to stay connected to the changing world that has so many new emerging technologies. This will not only help them to become better teachers, but will also give them the information they need to aid their students growth.
Warlick introduces three main types of PLNs in his article. Each one of them taking you down different avenues. The first Personal Learning Network he mentions is the personally maintained synchronous connection. This is the “traditional” connection that involves people and places a person uses to answer questions, solve problems, and accomplish goals. Such tools that may be associated with this network include: Twitter, instant and text messaging, and virtual worlds such as Second Life. The second type of PLN is the personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections. This connection allows for people to be in different places or different times, while still allowing them to participate at their own pace, and around their own schedule. Tools that enable this type of connection include Facebook, Blogs and Wikis. The third type of PLN is the dynamically maintained asynchronous connection. This connection helps people obtain information that will help them do their jobs as opposed to the first two types that are mainly used to connect with other people. This is where you train the information to organize and deliver itself to you! Examples of this type of tool may be things like social bookmarking or pod casts.
Question 1: Can PLNs have a potential weakness?
Yes, if a person isn’t careful, they can get caught up in only searching for topics that agree with how that individual feels, really limiting their perspective. Creating your own PLN, you need to be aware of that aspet and try to cultivate networks that challenge your way of thinking!
Question 2: How are PLNs actually aiding student growth?
PLNs are aiding students growth by preparing them for an unpredictable future. Educators are helping them learn how to find things on their own and to teach themselves. Personal Learning Networks help model a learning lifestyle, that’s creating life long learning.
