Finally, for this week, I can write about something in education which I think is good, new, and worth looking into for almost every teacher. Personal Learning Networks have changed with the advent of the internet, and more particularly with the growth of social networking sites, and tools. This is a good thing.
Now, instead of relying only with some peers, possibly a couple college friends (i.e. possibly teaching in other schools), a mentor, and/or a department head, you now have comparatively infinite possibilities regarding teaching and learning resources.
I think that this is the first step in developing ‘authentic’ tools for use in classrooms…for the teacher to develop some personal tools to help in teaching.
I have a couple links here…but with only a minutes time, I suspect that you might be able to amass quite a few links regarding this topic (e.g. Personal Learning Networks).
I think that this may be valuable enough (when implemented) such that most teachers would see some value in getting Twitter and Facebook accounts, and in joining some online communities (such as Classroom 2.0).
With enough teachers using these resources, I can see that this would be the time where a broad discussion about 21st century learning might have some validity…
Building your Personal Learning Network
http://langwitches.org/blog/2011/04/14/building-your-personal-learning-network
The look of a PLN has changed.
From
- your colleagues in the building you work in
- a cherished personal mentor
- professional development opportunities offered sporadically throughout the year
- conferences
- college credit classes taken for re-certification
To:
- Blogs
- RSS Readers
- Nings
- Skype
- Podcasts
- Wikis
Personal Learning Network for Educators
http://edupln.ning.com
PLN: Your Personal Learning Network Made Easy
http://onceateacher.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/pln-your-personal-learning-network-made-easy
Personal Learning Networks, or PLNs, have been around forever. Originally, they were your family and friends, maybe other educators you worked with, but as the internet and web 2.0 tools have become nearly ubiquitous, PLNs can include tons of different communities – social networking sites like Facebook, blogs, Twitter, wikis, social bookmarking tools, LinkedIn, and so many more. Basically, anyone that you interact with is apart of your PLN, whether they are social contacts, professional peers, or experts in their field. Most of the ‘learning’ takes place on-line now, because it is simple to find and connect with others with similar interests from around the world.
Creating a Personal Learning Network with Web 2.0 Tools
http://sites.google.com/site/buildingapln
