The Third Post - PLNs

What does it mean to be a "connected" instructor?

Being a “connected” instructor means that as a teacher you are helping your students develop their own PLN, personal learning network. It means you have a knowledge of and are providing them with relevant resources to develop their own PLN. As the world changes, being a connected teacher means you keep up with those changes to provide the best environments for your students to engage and learn.

What exactly is a PLN?

PLN stands for Personal Learning Network. It is a global and online community to connect with colleagues, mentors, or professionals to enhance and take charge of your learning experiences. Developing a PLN is personal and directed by you. It provides opportunities to share and receive ideas, connect with people from around the world, and grow your perspective.

In it beneficial for instructors to create a PLN?

A PLN is a great way for teachers to connect with other teachers to share ideas that can benefit them as educators. It is a great way to grow their own personal knowledge. They can take advantage of educational tools provided by other teachers. In order to be a connected teacher you have to be a connected learner yourself. It is beneficial for yourself and your students when you apply the things you learn from your PLN into the classroom.

Should students have a PLN?

Students should also create a PLN to apply what they learn in the classroom. They can connect with other students to share experiences and ideas to solidify concepts learned or gain a better understanding. It can be a supportive group to motivate them as they learn. It is also taking control of your education. That sense of having control of your own learning makes it more personal and meaningful. You will be more likely to remember and apply what you learn.