Warlick, D. (2009). Grow your Personal Learning Network. Learning & Leading With Technology, 36(6), 12-16. Retrieved from: http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-march-april-2009.aspx
Summary: The overall message of this article talks about the development PLN (Personal Learning Networks) in this technological world. This type of digital PLN has now been able to broaden people’s connection with one another around the world. Through tools like: Twitter, blogs, Diigo, Skype, Google Talk, and wiki’s are just a few tools that we can use to collaborate with others around the world or near us. Through this article he illustrates the importance of PLN (which is important). Starting a PLN is not only important due to this changing world of technology, but also because it opens the door for many educators to resources that is a click away. It’s a matter of just looking for it. Furthermore, he discusses the different types of PLN’s, such as: synchronous and semisyncronous connections. Synchronous is a type of PLN that illustrates chats through instant messaging, text messaging, and teleconferencing (using tools like iChat, Skype, uStream). Semisyncronous is almost instant communication through virtual chatting, Facebook and Twitter. Lastly, Warlick had given readers useful tips on streamlining information that people receive. For example, a tool like Diigo can help you become selective on what news articles you may want received or what blogs you’re interested in. This article can be very useful for those who are unaware of how effective having a PLN can be.
Q1: Why start a PLN when I have other teachers/peers around me that I can just exchange sources with?
A1: “”PLNs open one way that educators can tap into connected and cultivated communities of interest to find information sources, suggestions for lesson plans, potential collaborators, current events and trends, new opportunities, resources, and a wide variety of other answers and solutions. Basically, true. Our colleagues around us are a source of PLN, but this is just taking our learning network up many levels as it gives a huge variety of answers and solutions off the wazoo! After engaging in conversations with people on Twitter, it’s amazing how fast people will respond to your post! Ideas and feedback thrown at you in seconds while they’re on the other side of the country and sometimes the person can even be in another country. In addition, if one is new in any digital form of communication, the author of this article does suggest starting at your own pace. Then, once one has progressed over time, other tools such as blogs, Diigo, and Skype can become easier to use for collaborating.
Q2: How can one be sure that the tips he/she are receiving are to his/her liking?
A1: Always keep an open mind, however, I am not also saying to just listen and follow what is given to you out there. That is why this type of PLN provides a huge variety for educators because there are so much ideas/thoughts out in the cyber world. It never hurts to look at different perspectives and run your idea against it.
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