User:Adrkashner/sandbox

Personal Learning Networks

What is a Personal Learning Network?

Personal learning networks are a form of professional development that can be accessed through any device, at any time, to address an abundance of topics that can be tailored to your needs.

These networks have been developed as a way for learning to happen across peer groups.

Personal learning networks appeal to educators because of their flexibility, range of content, and ease of use.

"Self-regulated PD, in which adult learners determine what they want to learn and how they will learn it, is aligned with the theory of andragogy, the science of adult learning"

Why are Personal Learning Networks a Current Trend?

They provide an opportunity to pull ideas and resources from PLN’s through chat forums, videos, and specific content groups.

"They offer peer-to-peer learning with participants who engage in various ways according to their interests, skills, expertise, and needs."

Through personal learning networks, educators can receive personalized content through self-direction.

Educators have access to an entire network of peers, which they have selected, and can use their knowledge and resources to support, advise, and provide feedback to strengthen the educational field.  

Implementation of a Personal Learning Network in the K-12 Setting

• Connect with educational professionals whose beliefs align with your values or desired new content. i.e. join their organizations, email lists, follow them on social media,
• Find personal niche groups that meet your personal needs i.e Twitter niche groups, Pinterest, private communities
• Find personal learning community colleagues and mentors
• Build your foundation of support, expand your vision/perspective
• You make the choices: what tools you use, who you connect with, how you want to learn, and when you want to learn.

Key Issues with Personal Learning Networks

• Fear

Transparency of ideas, fear of failure and judgement by colleagues within the learning community

• Time

Management of daily educator tasks while engaging in PLN’s

• Technology Concern

Lack of knowledge on how PLN’s work, get connected, or are maintained

Related Research for Personal Learning Networks

Antoine van den Beemt, Evelien Ketelaar, Isabelle Diepstraten & Maarten de Laat (2018) Teachers’ motives for learning in networks: costs, rewards and community interest, Educational Research, 60:1, 31-46, DOI: 10.1080/00131881.2018.1426391

Cho, V. (2016). Administrators' professional learning via twitter. Journal of Educational Administration, 54(3), 340-356. Retrieved from https://ezproxy.wilkes.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.wilkes.edu/docview/1780799036?accountid=62703

Harding, A., & Engelbrecht, J. (2015). Personal learning network clusters: A comparison between mathematics and computer science students. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 18(3), 173-184. Retrieved from https://ezproxy.wilkes.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.wilkes.edu/docview/1707773419?accountid=62703

Recommended Resources for Personal Learning Networks

https://www.schoology.com/blog/three-significant-obstacles-to-creating-a-pln-and-an-easy-way-to-get-started

https://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2014/12/31/3-steps-for-building-a-professional-learning.html

https://thejournal.com/articles/2015/10/06/4-fantastic-and-free-professional-learning-networks-for-teachers.aspx

https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/10-reasons-every-teacher-needs-professional-learning-network/

http://www.gettingsmart.com/2012/01/personal-learning-networks-for-educators-10-tips/

http://www.thetechedvocate.org/personal-learning-network

https://www.naspa.org/constituent-groups/posts/creating-your-personal-learning-network-why-its-important