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What's a PLN? And 3 Ways Teachers Can Get Connected

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The PLN consists of relationships between individuals where the goal is enhancement of mutual learning. The currency of the PLN is learning in the form of feedback, insights, documentation, new contacts, or new business opportunities. It is based on reciprocity and a level of trust that each party is actively seeking value-added information for the other.

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Three years ago, I would have said it was a word I had heard but had no idea what it meant.

Professional Learning Networks, or PLNs, are simply a group of like-minded professionals.

A good PLN will

PLNs give you a group to turn to when you have questions that only someone who knows what you do can answer.

These same people will cheer you on when they watch you present at the next conference. They will teach you. And they will get excited when you teach them.

The Internet is a Big Place

One of the biggest questions I get asked when I talk about my PLN is how I met them and how we connect.

Often it is difficult to find others who are in a similar profession in my local area.

This means daily I make decisions and problem solve on my own.

This is where social media began to play a role, once I knew where to look.

Let's look at how different social media platforms contribute to the growth of a supportive PLN.

1. Pinterest

Most teachers have spent at least some time on Pinterest. That wonderful, amazing, addictive, visually attractive platform.

My Pinterest boards are full of recipes I hope to try someday, AT tools I can't wait to build, and puppies. Always puppies.

Pinterest is a great place to gather ideas for the classroom and learn from others.

Unfortunately, there aren't as many networking opportunities here, and there are not many chances to have dialogues with other educators.

2. Facebook

Facebook continues to be a popular platform for adults, even as the younger generations turn away from it in favor of more direct forms of social media such as Snapchat.

If you explore Facebook groups, you will discover many pertain to teachers.

You can find groups for

Most of these are closed groups, which means you cannot see what is posted in them until you have requested to join and are accepted. Many require you to answer a few questions along with your request to show you're a person and not a bot or spammer.

I'm a member of multiple groups, and I have found a few to contain supportive people willing to share information.

I have also found some groups do not match my needs.

In those instances, I choose to leave.

It is ok to be selective and try a group and decide it is not for you. After all-, your time is finite, and the goal is to find people you connect with.

One suggestion if Facebook is your platform of choice- try not to spread yourself too thin. When you join groups, their posts will show up in your feed, and it is easy to get overwhelmed by the number of posts you see each day.

I realized I reached this point when I no longer saw pictures of my nieces and nephews in my feed, but pictures of classrooms posted by strangers.

Additionally, to grow your PLN, you need to be active, and if you're in too many groups, you cannot be involved and make connections.

3. Twitter

If you follow our podcast or have read many of my social media posts, you will know my favorite social media platform for professional development is Twitter.

I have made more professional connections on Twitter than any other platform.

The key to using Twitter to grow your PLN is to follow the right hashtags.

I would suggest TweetDeck (learn about TweetDeck here), as it helps you keep track of all of the hashtags you want to watch.

You will find some are not as helpful as others, and some may be relatively inactive.

However, many will have weekly or monthly chats, where participants all answer questions and share ideas.

This is a great way to get to know others in your field and learn simultaneously.
Download: Free TweetDeck & Hashtag Guide
4. Instagram

Instagram tends to not have as much back and forth as Facebook groups and Twitter. However, you can find like-minded professionals with who you can share ideas.

If you have educators you follow, take the time to comment on their posts, and start a conversation.

Making the Most of Online PLNs

1. Be Active

Whatever platform(s) you choose, take the time to be active in them.

Like in-person relationships, you need to take the time to get to know people and show an interest.

You will never grow and develop a Professional Learning Network if you do not take the time to talk to others.

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Growing Your Online Professional Learning Network - Disruptive Teaching

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Three years ago, I would have said it was a word I had heard but had no idea what it meant. Professional Learning Networks, or PLNs, are simply a group of like-minded professionals. A good PLN will PLNs give you a group to turn to when you have questions that only someone who knows what you do can answer.

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 A PLN consists of the people you informally learn from and share ideas with, as well as the resources, tools, and materials that support your learning

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 A PLN consists of the people you informally learn from and share ideas with, as well as the resources, tools, and materials that support your learning

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Learning Networks Could Reconfigure Schools | Steve Regur | TEDxElCajonSalon

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Two is a meeting three is a network. Rebuild schools with Personal Learning Networks to lift up every student. Steve Regur is a founder and the current CEO of the Educators Cooperative, a partner in innovative K-12 education solutions.

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Using a Professional Learning Network (PLN)

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Standard 5: Leaders model and promote continuous professional learning for themselves and others. Education leaders.

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The education leaders section of the ISTE Standards supports the implementation of the ISTE Standards for Students and the ISTE Standards for Educators, and provides a framework for guiding digital age learning. This section of the standards targets the knowledge and behaviors required for leaders to empower teachers and make student learning possible. They're focused on some of the most timely, yet enduring, topics in education today - equity, digital citizenship, visioneering, team and systems building, continuous improvement and professional growth.

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The ISTE Standards for Education Leaders support the implementation of the ISTE Standards for Students and the ISTE Standards for Educators and provide a framework for guiding digital age learning.