Module 3 - 4: Blog

In your Blogger blog, reflect upon the need for a PLN. Use the module lecture s Thoughts to Ponder as well as the module resources to assist with your post. Review at least two of your classmates posts (refer to the Student Information course wiki to obtain links to their blogs) and comment on their posts.

There is a need for PLN, Personal Learning Network, to allow teachers to have the opportunity to share, reflect and review a range of resources,as well as, provide collaborative and sharing opportunities with other teachers outside their district or peer group. By participating in a PLN an educator has the ability to access resources and tools to expand their knowledge. A PLN can allow teacher's a collaborative place to share or gain ideas, typically within a safe virtual environment. Within this environment educators can feel comfortable discussing and sharing ideas, while learning from each other, and having the opportunity to search through a diverse range of tools and topics.

A Personal Learning Network can be described as a social way to learn and share ideas. Many educators have a passion for learning, and expanding their tools and resources. PLN's can take the place of teachers physically attending conferences or workshops, as teachers can access the information online at their convince, or teachers can attend virtual workshops/conferences; saving money on travel costs or conference location. Participating in a PLN can allow a teacher to have the benefits and advantages of attending a conference, while not having to physically change your location. 

An additional advantages of a PLN is the ability to meet, connect and share ideas with individuals from all around the world. Due to the fact most information within a PLN is shared online; through blogs, social media or online resources, teachers have a greater chance to meet and connect with an individual from a  distant location. The advantage of having a large PLN is the ability to meet and discuss topics that the educator desires discussing. This allows teachers to focus their learning, searching and discussions about their desired topics and subjects. Using a PLN allows a teacher to be in control of what they want to learn, master and share while discovering resources. PLN are not specific, and allow participates to learn, share and discuss on a variety of topics. This allows all educators to create a personalized PLN that will best help each educator enhance their practice. 

References:

Educational Technology Guy - http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2009/11/creating-personal-learning-network-pln.html
Teaching Village - http://www.teachingvillage.org/2012/01/03/what-is-a-pln-anyway/