PLN - Personal Learning Network Plan

-

 

EXPANDING MY PERSONAL LEARNING NETWORK

In some way, everyone has a personal learning network (PLN). They may not know that the resources they are using are considered a PLN, but if they are engaging, digitally or physically, with people and resources creating experiences for themselves, and gathering knowledge from it, they have a PLN.  Trust et al. (2016) expresses that when people engage in a PLN system, they change it to meet their learning needs, and in return the system changes them by expanding their understanding. Humans are consistent with change. Their goals, dreams, even aspirations grow and change as one continues through life. This change can bring new experiences, provide new knowledge as well as gain access to new resources that align with the desires that one now has. Change is inevitable and it would make sense that one's personal learning network would also change in order for one to grow.

Here is an image replicated my current PLN


When contemplating my PLN, I notice social media being of strong use. I gather important materials and information from these forms of networking, but can see how expanding my network to other forms of digital sources could only bring more benefits into my knowledge development. Brown (2001) describes how digital age learning is presented in shifts, with the final shift can be explained that learning occurs with action, how it is social, and involves both judgment and exploration. The internet-based opportunities listed below would fit within my own network based on what they offer in expanding my PLN.


This podcast shares all things in regards to teaching, backed up with research and evidence. This would align with my current position and help me continue to grow in my professional career. The goal of adding this to my PLN would be to stay up to date with teaching practices, enrich my instructional design thinking, gain new perspectives, incorporate reflection and learn new tools and strategies to apply. Adding this to my daily drive to work, I am able to listen to a diverse community of educators and their experiences and consider my own teaching practices. 


Edutopia discussion forums can support my professional growth and aid in collaborating with other educators. Through reading and exploring discussion forums on this site, I am able to exchange ideas and strategies with other educators, become informed on relatable educational topics, and grow my learning community of other educators outside of my workplace. I am able to initiate discussion and respond with other educators that come from different backgrounds. They can share their own teaching practices, provide feedback, as well as encouragement when facing similar scenarios. 


The goal of adding EdWeb to my PLN would be taking advantage of attending the free webinars and virtual communities this source offers. I am able to connect and live chat with experts and educators who are just as passionate as I am about student learning. The multitude of webinars give the opportunity to earn certificates while learning about new trends and approaches within education. As one who tries to continue an education, EdWeb can support professional development that I am able to choose from and be reflective on in order to better my skills and  align to my own practices.



References
Brown, J. S. (2001). Learning in the digital age. In The Internet and the university: Forum (Vol. 71, No. 72, pp. 65-71).

Cult of Pedagogy. (n.d.). [Image description – e.g. “logo of Cult of Pedagogy Podcast”]. In The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast. Retrieved October 8, 2025, from https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/pod/

edWeb.net. (n.d.). [edWeb logo with the tagline “Anytime Learning for Educators”]. In edWeb podcasts. Retrieved October 8, 2025, from https://home.edweb.net/podcasts/

Edutopia. (n.d.). [Edutopia logo]. In Edutopia. Retrieved October 8, 2025, from https://www.edutopia.org/

Trust, T., Krutka, D. G., & Carpenter, J. P. (2016). “Together we are better”: Professional learning networks for teachers. Computers & education, 102, 15-34


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Microlearning in the Workplace

-
Image
WHAT IS MICROLEARNING AND HOW DOES IT SHAPE WORKPLACE TRAININGS? Which would you prefer?   A lengthy training, as in hours long, sitting and listening to one person talk a majority of the time about many concepts, your legs go numb and your mind begins to wander OR a training that can be completed within a few minutes, focused on one specific skill, and can be done just about anywhere?  Microlearning is just that. A more modern take to training that delivers information to learners in small, focused sections that can be completed within a few minutes and be accessed anytime and anywhere. This type of learning allows for learners to be able to grasp a concept, retain the information, and apply the knowledge immediately. Learners are also able to return to the materials as needed based on their personal learning pace (Kannan, 2024). With many workplaces working at various speeds and full of diverse employees, microlearning can reach just about everyone’s learning needs.  Th...
Read more

Welcome

-
Thanks for coming to my blog! My name is Elizabeth Wiseman. I am currently a first grade teacher participating in my Master's program of Instructional Design and Technology. I have always had a passion for the use of technology, personally and professionally. I have continued to educate myself on the continuous growth of technology and how it can be incorporated into education for the benefit of learners. I have created mock online courses, become familiar with learning environments, built collaborative assignments, and made connections from this program to my personal life and future goals. I love how I continue to grow in knowledge and cannot wait to share this knowledge with those willing to listen (or read :)). I hope you I can spark thoughts and ideas your way as you review my weekly blogs! Liz
Read more

Blogging

-
Image
HOW CAN BLOGGING BE INCORPORATED INTO THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT TO EXPAND THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF LEARNERS?       Blogs have been around for many years. They have been used to foster a space for collaboration and connect on ideas, and beliefs of users while supporting reflection and purposeful discussion (Sun & Chang, 2012). Blogging has never been an activity that I have ever practiced, but through my research, I can see why many may find it appealing to do. Whether someone is writing and publishing a blog, or participating as a commentator, there are skills that can be gained from doing either.  LANGUAGE SKILLS Blogging is a form of communication. When one blogs they are sharing their personal thoughts and ideas in a way where others are able to read and connect. To be able to connect in a way that is beneficial, users hone in on language skills to be able to have successful collaboration. Users are able to express themselves as individuals, be more tho...
Read more