In this course we have been introduced to so many new programs, platforms, and networks that it has been hard to keep them all straight. As I take the time to explore everything, I can see that some of these new tools will stick (like my new love of Trello), while others may not find a way into my professional practice. In multiple lectures I kept hearing the term “PLN”…”as you develop your PLN”….”when you are creating your PLN”….”this would be someone to include in your PLN”…what the heck is a PLN?
PLN stands for Personal Learning Network, and yes, I definitely need one. It can be thought of as creating a circle of like-minded professionals. The field of education seems to have chosen Twitter as its platform of choice. As a pre-service teacher, I can begin to create my PLN by following leaders in the field, school districts, individual schools, master teachers, tech innovators, fellow pre-service teachers, and anyone else that aligns with my developing teaching philosophy.
By creating a PLN, I can start to create my education digital footprint. I am able to see what other districts are passionate about, and grow my network as I make new connections. Through creating a PLN and developing my digital footprint, that may put me in a more advantageous position when it comes to interviewing for teaching positions, as my professional learning and areas of interest will be visible to potential schools and administrators.
I also really like the idea of having a social media platform that is solely dedicated to my professional practice. I have shied away from Twitter in the past, but I appreciate that I am able to open my Twitter feed knowing that I am there to learn from others, and won’t be prompted to take a survey to find out what Disney princess I am.
Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash