Personal Learning Networks

A personal learning network is a form of educational learning that expands to anyone in the world that has the same interests seeking to learn while also share knowledge of that particular subject to every one else in that network. 

There are many steps that can help establish a PLN. The first of course is knowing what you topic of interest is. Say for example your interest is in volcanoes. You might start by gathering every bit of information on volcanoes to include their history and how they are formed, to where active volcanoes currently are located, to scientific studies of why they become active. 


You might then start a blog on this subject as well as read other blogs to share information. People with the same interests will follow you and share there thoughts or experiences.  These blogs will contain useful information that is shared and is continuously added. Set up an iGoogle account and subscribe to the blogs you selected in Google Reader. Caution: Limit your reader to five to start. Keeping up with more blogs will be difficult(innovator Educator). 


By using Google Reader you can subscribe to other bogs in your area of interest. Form a group on Facebook to share links with others that share your interests.


It is also helpful to use social media like twitter. For example you can be visiting a volcano and tweet what your seeing first hand.  You can use your top blogs you follow to tweet and have more information. The key is to engage by offering feedback and constant updates which may be the hardest part of all.

Endless Possibilities

Personal learning networks are developing and changing just as social media is developing and changing. Can we keep up? Can we utilize this power to complete in today's highly competitive economic environment? 



Images cited
Warlick, David. Personal Learning Network. http://21clc.wikispaces.com/PLN. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. <http://www.abpc21.org/images/21teacher4.jpg>.


Video Cited
Richarson, Will, perf. Personal Learning Networks. Narr. Will Richardson. You Tube, 2008. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. <www.youtube.com/watch?v=mghGV37TeK8&feature=player_embedded>.


Works Cited
"5 Things You Can Do to Begin Developing Your Personal Learning Network." The Innovative Educator. Blogspot.com, 12 Oct. 2008. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. <http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2008/04/5-things-you-can-do-to-begin-developing.html>.