Survival Tips for Building a PLN. For the past 4 years, I have researched the what, who, how, and why of Personal/Professional/ Passionate Learning Networks (PLNs). We have seen the benefits of the people we choose to connect, collaborate, and problem solve with through social media. The educators, subject matter experts (SMEs), authors, and mentors we choose to derive knowledge from help us self-reflect on our methodologies and beliefs. They support us, remember our birthdays, celebrate our accomplishments, and stir within us a passion to improve the status quo. Within one year of connecting with a PLN, I jump started many projects at my school and in the past 5 years I’ve organized many free incredible professional development events with the help of my PLN. A few examples include #Edchat, the Reform Symposium Global E-Conference, The 30 Goals Challenge, and the eTextbook Teachers open online course.
My PLN helps me be a better educator and prepare my students and trainees. Why Do We Connect? VoiceThread- Why a PLN? 8 Education Technology Books Every Leader Should Read.