Blog Post #6

Personal Learning Network, which is also referred to as PLN, is a network that you use to exchange information, usually on-line with people of like interests. There are many social networking sites that you can use to connect with people and exchange information. These sites include: Facebook, Blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn, Wikis, Digital Discussion Forums, Social Bookmarking, Google+ and more.

The advantages of teachers using a PLN are: Access to global learning communities, share resources, discuss best practices and collaboration, exchange ideas and experiences with educators at all levels, share and organize bookmarks online, find opportunities, share opinions and discuss topics.

Because there are so many different sites available, it is important to utilize a program to organize your desktop personal settings. One program that I like is Symbaloo. It is a display of tiles that allow you to directly search your mail, newsfeeds, and commonly visited internet sites with a touch of a button.

The best way to create your own PLN is to reach out to people on Twitter that share the same interest as you. I began my PLN by reaching out to teachers on twitter from a list that Mr. Strange provided. I am also following a blog called At the teachers desk. Larry Ferlazzo provided a list entitled “The Best Twitterers For Sharing Resource Links:” I think I will reach out to the individuals on this list as well.

Remember:

• Make sure that your source of information is credible

• The tools are not as important as the connections made by them