Journal #6: “Grow Your Personal Learning Network” by David Warlick (NETS 3&5)
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
Summary:
This article is all about how an educator can use his/her personal learning network to communicate with other educators and gather resources to become a better teacher. Warlick breaks PLNs into three main types. The first is the personally maintained synchronous connections. These are the people and places you consult for help in your field. They are real time resources. Technology that fits into this first type can be things such as instant messaging, texting, twitter and this like video chat. The second type is personally and socially maintained semi synchronous connections. These are conversations that don’t necessarily have to happen in real time. The individual can work them around their schedule. Examples of this type of PLN using technology are blogs, face book walls, and Google docs. The last type is dynamically maintained asynchronous connections. Here sites like Diigo and Twitter can help to bring the educator content sources and information that can help and improve the way teachers do their job in the classroom.
Question 1: What is an effective tool in building your PLN and why?
A: One tool that I was very skeptical about was twitter. After using twitter however I have found that it is one of the best sites to build your PLN and gain resources from. I can subscribe to people who are interested in education and in the social sciences. Once I am following them I get to see their posts about helpful web links and can use those links to help me learn.
Question 2: How do you use your PLN most effectively?
A: I think that the best way to make your PLN to go to work for you is to follow relevant individuals and groups. Also to make sure that you are checking in on your PLN regularly and contributing to the discussion where appropriate. Educators should use their PLN to learn new and better ways to teach. Also a PLN will help you keep on top of hot topics in teaching and things like new technology that may be coming out.
