EVALUATING YOUR PERSONAL LEARNING NETWORK

Written By Terri Novacek

I DON’T HAVE A PERSONAL LEARNING NETWORK

Yes, you do. In fact, as you reflect, you will come to realize you may have more than one. Even if this is your first time hearing the term, or you’ve never formally created a PLN, you likely have several which serve different purposes.

WHAT IS A PERSONAL LEARNING NETWORK?

A Personal Learning Network (PLN), quite simply, is an ever-growing network of resources used for learning. As humans, we are learning all the time – growing in knowledge, skill, and perspective. Some of us more than others, and some of us in a more deliberate and focused manner; but humans are, by nature, natural and constant learners. A PLN is the group of peers, coaches, and specialists in which a learner interacts. Interaction may be in person, online, through social media, blogs, video, etc. By tapping into a multitude of resources the learner has access to a broad range of knowledge and expertise around a topic of desired focus. Whether a K-12 student seeking information to demonstrate understanding of the human cell, a parent craving more knowledge on guiding a child’s social choices, or an adult or professional in need of more skill in a key aspect of desired work, we are wired to keep improving at something.

WHY IS A PLN IMPORTANT?

Connectivism, the learning theory that explains how internet technologies create opportunities for people to learn and share information across the internet and among themselves, encourages students to seek out information online and express what they find, thus created a “connected” community, or personal learning network. With the guidance of a Facilitator or Coach, the student utilizes technologies such as Web browsers, email, wikis, online discussion forums, social networks, YouTube, and any other tool which enables the users to learn and share information with other people.

The massive open online course (MOOC) phenomenon comes from the connectivist theory. In a connectivist MOOC (cMOOC), anyone can enroll, open software and systems across the Web facilitate learning and sharing, and it follows a specified curriculum for a designated period of time. While facilitators guide the cMOOC, its participants are largely responsible for what they learn and what and how they share it; this connected behavior largely helps create the course content. References (1)(2)

HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OF MY PERSONAL LEARNING NETWORK?

All students, parents, and staff in Element schools have PLNs which include, at a minimum, each other. In addition, they likely use a wide range of home and community resources.

Create a map of your current PLN. You can draw one out on paper or create one on your computer. https://www.edrawsoft.com/mindmap/create-a-mind-map-on-microsoft-word.php

Connect with new people. You can go big (the planet) or go slow (someone new in your community). Consider using a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) such as Coursera or Udacity. Follow a Twitter Chat or sign on to a Google Hangout. Extend your network beyond the walls and boundaries of your home, neighborhood, school, and community. Go global. You will be amazed at how many people across our country and planet share your interests, talents, goals, and passions.

Contribute. You may want to simply read, listen to, or watch at first, but don’t just be a “taker” all the time. Be sure to be a “giver” as well. You will find that your experience, struggles, and questions are valuable to others. Schedule time each day to interact with your PLN. Read articles, comment on posts, engage in dialogue, and share resources. The deepest learning comes from that which is authentic - in which we learn for a meaningful purpose and are able to share, or teach, what we’ve learned.

Reflect. Keep a log or journal of your PLN and the time in which you engage with it. What is your return on investment? How much time are you spending with your PLN and how much value have you gained from it? Is your engagement meaningful? Is it helping you learn and demonstrate your learning? Is there more you need from your PLN? Are there ways in which you should consider expanding your PLN?

Share. Who do you know that would benefit from your PLN, or any of its components?

Enjoy your personal learning adventure, and remember… you are the leader.

References

1. Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1), 3-10.

2. Downes, S. (2010). New technology supporting informal learning. Journal of Emerging Technologies in Web Intelligence, 2(1), 27-33.

Terri Novacek

TERRI NOVACEK has found great joy as a homeschool mother, public school teacher, and charter school administrator for more than thirty years. While she has worked in the field of education for over half her life, she still believes it true she learns more from her students, children, and colleagues than they do from her. She has a passion for learning, for understanding what makes people tick, and for seeing others be happy and authentic.  As the Executive Director of two public charter schools serving San Diego County, she is an advocate of school choice, student voice, and self-determined learning.  What brings her joy is time with family, adventures with her husband, being with nature, and learning something new every day.

Terri is the host of the Element Is Everything Podcast.

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