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This is the first I have really looked into it.

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I have heard of the acronym PLN, just never really took interest in it.

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I have started a leap into the PLN Technology world, just not a expert! 

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I am someone you can go to for advice! I am  (or almost) an Expert! 

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by TeachThought Staff

What is a personal learning network, or rather a Personal Learning Network? How about a Professional Learning Network?

In the video below, Marc-André Lalande offers a concise, useful definition that simplifies the idea from hashtags and movements and social engagement and badges and, well, all the buzzwords you hear, into a clear explanation that works not just within education, but any field.

"A Personal Learning Network is a way of describing the group of people that you connect with to learn their ideas, their questions, their reflections, and their references. Your PLN is not limited to online interactions, but it is that online, global interactive part that really makes it special. It is personal because you choose who's part of that group; you choose if you want to lurk-just check out what people are saying-or if you share; because you choose when to do so, and how to do so."

In that way, a Professional Learning Network, then, is a natural extension of the way people learn-by connecting with others who have shared interests, ideas, or resources. If the internet was, at one point, one-way-a user "logs on" to search for information or share an opinion, then "logs off" because they're "finished"-a more progressive view could be that connectivity is omni-directional and multi-facted. We connect with different people with unique expertise using varied tools for authentic and constantly changing purposes.

Interestingly, that view will continue to change as technology evolves. That is, we view and define connections in light of potential for and degrees of connectivity.
What Is A Personal Learning Network?

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by TeachThought Staff What is a personal learning network, or rather a Personal Learning Network? How about a Professional Learning Network? In the video below, Marc-André Lalande offers a concise, useful definition that simplifies the idea from hashtags and movements and social engagement and badges and, well, all the buzzwords you hear, into a clear explanation that works not just within education, but any field.

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Welcome to our professional learning series on building a PLN.

This self-paced free course guides you step-by-step through the process of setting up your own PLN.

We have an optional PDF workbook t hat will help to keep you on track and focused as you work through the 7 steps of this course. Scroll down and click on the 'download' button under the document to save it to your computer.
The aim of this first step is to:

1. Unpack the definition of a PLN and "connected educator"

2. Help you understand why educators create their own PLNs and how they use them

What Is A PLN?

Back in 1998 when the internet was in its infancy, Daniel R. Tobin wrote an article about the term "Personal Learning Network" which was abbreviated to PLN. This term was used to describe a network of people and resources that support ongoing learning.

Whether or not Tobin actually coined the term PLN is up for debate. As Clint Lalonde has pointed out, others, such as Dori Digenti, also wrote about the term in the late 90s.

Digeni said,

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.

The term has evolved and is now sometimes referred to as a Professional Learning Network - taking into account that fact that most "connected educators" use their PLN for professional growth and interaction.

As Tom Whitby has pointed out, there can even be a hybrid of the personal or professional learning network - the Personalized Learning Network.

...the shift in nuance maintains that participants are both personal and professional learners. A PLN is a tool that uses social media and technology to collect, communicate, collaborate and create with connected colleagues anywhere at any time. Participating educators, worldwide, make requests and share resources.

Are PLNs Exclusive To Education?

PLNs don't just exist in the education world. They are important in all aspects of the business world, various vocations, and hobbies.

We contacted Daniel R. Tobin to ask him about how he came up with the term Personal Learning Network. We wanted to find out if he coined the term in relation to a particular industry or field.

Daniel told us,

It came from my own experience.

As I was thinking about how I had learned to do the various jobs I had over the course of my career, I realized that I had built an extensive network of people who had helped me learn. These included managers and colleagues and people I had met while doing research for my books, speaking at conferences, attending workshops, etc.

As I started writing about corporate training and development, I realized that what I had learned from my PLN was greater and more important than what I had learned from my formal education.

Interestingly, many teachers who are active online have remarked that they've learned a great deal more from their PLN than from any professional development session they've attended.

Are PLNs Something New?

All teachers know successful teaching and learning does not occur in a vacuum. Teachers have always relied on others for guidance, ideas, inspiration, support, and new perspectives. Naturally, some teachers are more active in their interactions than others.

Traditionally, all this interaction might take place in one school community. Teachers might have rarely connected with educators from other locations - apart from an occasional conference or professional development opportunity.

Technology changed all this.

Like in many other industries, educators now have access to people from all corners of the globe 24/7. This may largely be through social media but other platforms as well, such as blogs, online communities, and news sites.

So many barriers have been removed - geography, culture, language, timezones, travel, costs, logistics.

Embracing new networks and building a PLN doesn't mean throwing out your old connections. Of course, it will always be valuable to talk to the teachers next door and down the hall. But imagine the possibilities of building on that network in diverse ways!

Video: What is A PLN?

Want to learn more about what is a PLN? This is Marc-André Lalande's take on the matter in less than two minutes.

Being A Connected Educator

A connected educator is someone who collaborates online and uses a range of tools to build their own PLN.

Watch the following five minute video to learn more about being a connected educator. It shows interviews with educators who explain the importance of being "connected" in order to be effective teachers and leaders.

Why Create A PLN?

There are many reasons why all teachers should develop a PLN.

Here are eight benefits of having a PLN:

1. You are in charge of your own professional development. PD is no longer something that you have to "sit and get".

2. You can explore your own interests, needs, and passions (or your students'). You might have a student who is struggling with reading, or you might have heard of makerspaces and decide you want to learn more about that, maybe you have a student who wants to research global warming, or perhaps you want to find a better system for running a sports day at your school. You can turn to your PLN for advice and support with all these sorts of things.

3. 24/7 learning offers the flexibility to learn and connect at a time that suits you. You don't have to wait for a PD or conference. And 24/7 learning certainly doesn't mean you have to be constantly online either - you decide how much time you want to invest and when.

4. You can learn and connect in a way that you enjoy. This might be via videos, podcasts, text, social media, Skype, blogging ... the list goes on.

5. There can be light and shade to your PLN. You can engage in a general chat about education (or anything) to debrief, laugh, or unwind. Or, you can engage in deep discussion, debate, and reflection that can really challenge and transform your thinking and teaching. The choice is yours and there will probably be a time and place for both.

6. You can stay current on research and best practice, regardless of whether this information is being discussed in your own school, district (or even country!).

7. A PLN allows for broad brainstorming or fine tuning. You might know very little about a certain topic and ask your PLN for any/all entry points into exploring the concept. At the other end of the spectrum, you may have already done a lot of work on a topic and use your PLN to fine tune your ideas and resources.

8. Globally connected students need globally connected teachers. Having your own PLN is a key way to also help your students connect with others and start developing their own networks. We know this is important to enrich student learning and help students thrive in the changing labor market.

Feel free to use the following graphic on your blog or share it with your colleagues.

Four Big Ideas Around The Connected Educator

Silvia Tolisana (aka Langwitches) has written about four big ideas that surface when thinking about connected educators.

I think about the isolation of a teacher within their classroom walls and how connectedness to a global network of experts and peers could expose and add multiple perspectives to their world view and professional practice.

I am amazed every time by the transformative nature of teaching and learning, when harnessing the power of a network to crowdsource authentic data, resources, connections and collaborators.

Last, but not least, the idea of being able to model for our students what connected learning in an interconnected world means is a moral imperative for educators who are charged to prepare our kids for their future.

You can unpack these concepts further by reading Silvia's post.

Building Your Own PLN

The great thing about a PLN is that it's personal!

You make all the choices:

1. What tools you use!

2. Who you connect with!

3. How you want to learn!

4. When you want to learn!

The idea of this series is to guide you through the process of building your own PLN and give you a taste of the opportunities that are out there.

Remember, we each have our own preference of what online tools work best for us.

Throughout the seven part series, we've included popular tools for building a PLN to help get you started.

Conclusion

A PLN is a network of people and resources that support ongoing learning.

We believe all teachers could benefit from having a PLN.

You might be in a fantastic school but in some ways, schools can become echo chambers for the same beliefs and viewpoints. It can be easy to go with the status quo and fail to really question things or bring in new ideas. A simple conversation with someone from a very different community can be so eye opening.

PLNs are all about sharing, collaborating, and learning from each other. So here's your chance to ask a question, comment, and get involved!

We'd like you to add your voice and ideas to our ongoing conversation about PLNs by undertaking one or more of these challenges:

1. PLN Definition: Watch the video What Is A PLN? Leave a comment on this post to explain what a PLN means to you. You might like to share your thoughts on "lurking". What are the pros and cons of this approach? Or, you might like to explain what you think PLN stands for - personal, professional, personalized ... or something else?

2. PLN Benefits: Choose one or more of the eight benefits of having a PLN that's listed above to explore in a comment. Tell us why this is a benefit that resonates with you.

3. Connected Educators: Watch the Connected Educators video. Leave a comment on this post to explain why it's important to be a connected educator and how a PLN can help you. You might like to give an example of one person in the education community that you'd like to follow and learn from or with. This could be a thought leader, or just someone you find interesting.

4. Go Deeper: Write a blog post to explain what you have learned about PLNs. Perhaps your post could be a way to educate or persuade others on the benefits of PLNs. Or you might like to summarize some of the information from this study on PLNs for teachers. Leave a comment with a link to the post so we can have a look at how you went.

Also feel free to leave a comment to ask any questions or share your tips.

How to leave a comment: Scroll down to find the comment box. Write your comment, then enter your name and email address (email addresses are not published). Enter the anti-spam word. Press submit and we will moderate your comment ASAP.
The following information on PLNs was adapted from an original Teacher Challenge post by Australian teacher, Michael Graffin. This resource was updated by Kathleen Morris in 2018. You can check out Michael's original post - What The heck Is A PLN.

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Welcome to our professional learning series on building a PLN. This self-paced free course guides you step-by-step through the process of setting up your own PLN. We have an optional PDF workbook t hat will help to keep you on track and focused as you work through the 7 steps of this course.

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ISTE - Educational Leaders ISTE Standards 

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ISTE - Educational Leaders ISTE Standards 

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ISTE - Educational Leaders ISTE Standards

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ISTE's Education Leaders Standards guide leaders toward the knowledge and behaviors required to empower teachers and boost student learning.

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Building Your Professional Learning Network

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Teachers need ways to connect with peers, exchange ideas, collaborate and share resources, and engage in meaningful discussions.

Gary Waters / Ikon Images

Finding time throughout the school year to engage in professional learning can be a challenge for educators. Being part of a learning community can help. Learning communities and professional learning networks (PLNs) can be a catalyst not only for professional growth, but for our personal growth as well.

Teaching can be isolating, and that isolation and lack of support can lead to burnout. PLNs help educators to escape the isolation that can become part of the profession. By connecting with like-minded professionals, educators become part of a supportive community of support that can help in many ways. I have reached out to my PLN many times for ideas, especially several years ago when I was struggling with student engagement in my classroom. Reaching out to a network and knowing that I was not alone in having some challenges was so helpful and provided me with many new ideas for my students.

A PLN is a network of connections that educators create and engage in aimed at enhancing their professional development (PD). PLNs provide great spaces for teachers to exchange ideas, collaborate and share resources, and engage in meaningful discussions about teaching practices and trends in education. PLNs can broaden an educator's horizons, push them beyond their comfort zones, and foster continuous learning.

There are a variety of ways to form and connect with PLNs. Some examples include the use of online platforms, social media, participating in conferences and webinars, and interacting in professional learning communities provided through organizations. Schools can help educators build a PLN by offering time for professional learning community (PLC) groups to form and work together throughout the year.

My PLN has had a tremendous impact on my personal and professional life. It all started with first becoming a member of ISTE and joining some of their professional learning networks. Once I connected with educators from around the world, I saw the value of collaborating, and it led me to embrace other spaces like Twitter and LinkedIn for adding to my PLN.

Finding your PLN

National and international educator organizations. There are many organizations focused on content areas or more that are globally focused. Explore the offering in your community and state, or even look at the national or international level. One that has made a tremendous impact on my work is the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). There are discussion forums, webinars, chats, learning events, and an annual conference for educators to attend.

After a year of using Twitter and building relationships with other educators, it was amazing to meet them in person at my first ISTE conference in 2015. Being able to spend time together and then build an even bigger network by connecting our friends was a great experience and started ongoing collaborations.

State education organizations. There are state-level educator organizations that are focused on content or grade levels that offer a variety of opportunities for educators. Whether there are networking events like local meet-ups, conferences and online learning programs such as webinars, or options through social networks, these are ways to build and connect with a PLN. I am a member of PAECT, the Pennsylvania ISTE affiliate, and there are regional events held in person and virtually. Many other states also have ISTE-affiliate organizations that would be great to explore.

Social media networks. Choose one of the social media networks to build your online presence. Whether it is through a Facebook, LinkedIn, or a Twitter account, there are educators connecting and sharing ideas in these spaces. Participate in a Twitter chat, or join one of the Facebook or LinkedIn educator communities.

Using Discord as a space to collaborate and exchange ideas has been a new and fun addition to my PLN. There are many groups that you can participate in, and I stay the most active in the EduMatch group, where there are topics for conversation, fun icebreakers, and a new space to connect and learn together.

Edtech programs. Whether becoming certified in a specific area of focus such as Microsoft Educator or Google Certified Educator or Innovator, or becoming an ambassador for one of the many edtech companies, you'll find many opportunities to be part of a community. They all offer ways to engage in PD during a time that meets our schedule, and they offer events throughout the year to share new ideas and connect educators.

building your local PLN

Schools are a great option for forming a PLN through committee involvement or PLCs. These groups can be created to explore a specific focus, explore different methods of learning, or collaborate in a book study or other self-directed initiatives that teachers select to explore more personalized professional development. In my school, PLCs help educators explore new ideas and have a group to check in with. We even teach one another about different technologies or methods to try in our classrooms.

Professional development in schools has often involved sessions that were presented by outside organizations that sent trainers into schools for the PD days. However, more recently, teachers have been taking the lead during professional development days in their own schools, traveling to local schools to share the work they are doing.

It can be overwhelming to think of where to start. It simply takes that first step to engage with others at a conference, via social networks, or in local educational organizations. By intentionally seeking out opportunities to be more connected with other educators, you can enhance your professional growth and, most important, provide students with enriched learning experiences and more opportunities that are now possible through our connected educator communities.

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Building Your Professional Learning Network

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Teachers need ways to connect with peers, exchange ideas, collaborate and share resources, and engage in meaningful discussions.

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Best Professional Development Websites and PLNs for Teachers | Common Sense Education

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Best Professional Development Websites and PLNs for Teachers is a list of 21 apps, games, and websites curated by Common Sense Education editors.

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The WHY? A Principals Reflection on PLN's

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The WHY? A Principals Reflection on PLN's

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The WHY? A Principals Reflection on PLN's.

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A blog about digital leadership, pedagogy, learning, and transformative change in education.

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Professional learning networks (PLNs) are a valuable piece in the school leadership puzzle. They help you grow as a leader and cultivate a support network that offers immediate connection and a sounding board when you're faced with difficult leadership decisions.

To learn strategies to make the most of a PLN, NAESP held a Twitter chat to find out how PLNs have supported the leadership journeys of principals and assistant principals. Participants shared what areas of support they reach out for the most, their go-to platforms for keeping in touch, advice for aspiring school leaders, how they make the most of in-person networking at events like the NAESP Pre-K-8 Principals Conference, and so much more.

Here are the top benefits of making PLNs a piece of the school leadership puzzle-in their words.

Resources

Other school leaders are the No. 1 resource in a principal's PLN. If you have a challenge, chances are someone in your PLN has tackled it, too-and sometimes they even have tangible resources to help you.

"No need to reinvent the wheel when someone has something tried and true," said Ryan Daniel, @heydrdaniel, who counted "resources" as an aspect of school leadership that she finds herself reaching out to her PLN for most often. "My PLNs have enhanced my leadership journey completely! How awesome is it that I have leaders from around the country that I can call on for advice and resources."

Professional Growth

Many of the participants said how they depend on their PLNs to push their limits of thinking and even question some of their leadership decisions, allowing them to reflect and grow in the process.

"A great PLN keeps you in check as much as it gives you a pat on the back," said Andy Jacks, @_AndyJacks. "Because, if you care about those in your tribe, you watch out for them and want what's best for them."

Conference are high on the list of ways to promote professional growth and network-building.

"Attend conferences," said Daniel. "That's a great way to network! Find principals and leaders that have leadership behaviors that you want to model. Ask questions. Seek out resources. You're not alone!"

As Ryan said-and many others during the chat-you're not alone in your climb up the leadership ladder.

"You are not alone and you don't need to stay on your island," said Liz Garden, @PrincipalGarden. "Reach out. Connect. Ask for help. Celebrate small successes. Give yourself grace."

Connection and Support

Networking for education leaders isn't just about having a lifeline during challenges; it becomes a trusted group-like a family-for so many.

"I 100-percent could not do this job without my network," said Jamie Basignani, @J_basignani. "I've learned from, leaned on, and love them along the way."

And like most families, that means group chats, or "text circles," as Jessica Gomez, @mrsjessgomez, calls them.

"I've created a text circle of early career and seasoned principals where we share and ask for resources and advice freely," Gomez said. "I've learned so much from each one of them."

A big platform to keep in touch was Voxer. Many participants said they've used it for years to keep in touch, reach out quickly, and find support.

"I rely on my PLN to collaborate on all the things," said Kelly O'Connell, @kellyaoconnell. My core group uses Voxer to connect daily and supports each other with just about everything (scheduling, problem solving, climate/culture ideas, etc)."

"Using Voxer to connect with and talk to other school leaders is absolutely the best," said Adam Welcome, @mradamwelcome. "Voice conversations are so powerful."

Social media to maintain connections is common, too.

"Twitter has been huge in this," said Eli Casaus, @MrCoachEli. "I've made so many amazing connections; many became true friends. It has then spilt onto Instagram and Voxer to deepen the connection. Fortunate to have met some in person as well."

Mentorship

Part of leadership growth is passing along lessons you've learned to the next generation. We asked how school leaders have mentored aspiring principals, teacher leaders, and early career principals, and here's what they had to say.

"Mentorship is all about relationships, helping others reflect and create their own solutions, and understanding that everyone can grow in the process, both mentor and mentee learning from each other," said Jacks.

Once trust is established in these relationships, the sky is the limit with how much growth both the mentee and mentor can have.

"Give them room to try and fail, then discuss," said Ashley Howard, @ashley_howard1. "They'll feel and know whether they have your support or not, so showing support in their aspirations and cheering them on!"

"Listening and providing them with authentic real-life situations, including explicit modeling and videotaping in action," said Edgardo Castro, @DrCastro_NBCT.

"Share experiences and lessons learned," said O'Connell. "So much of our success can come from thoughtfulness; collaborating and thinking through scenarios is helpful."

What's one simple way to kickstart your PLN? Follow the school leaders who we featured in this #NAESPchat recap. To learn more great tips on this topic and many others or to share your own, follow #NAESPchat on social media. Stay tuned to the NAESP Events page for more great opportunities to connect and learn with your peers.

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The Benefits of a PLN in Your School Leadership Puzzle - NAESP

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Prioritize your professional learning network with these principal-approved resources, tips, and strategies that will help you find a support network and grow as a leader.

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Building your PLN

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Many teachers would agree that becoming a "connected educator" and developing a PLN (Personal/Professional/Personalized Learning Network) is the most powerful thing you can do to improve your teaching and provide better outcomes for your students.

This free self-paced course guides you through the process of building your PLN.
Click on a step below to get started:
You can start these activities in any order however beginning with Step One followed Step Two is a good place to start. Each step ends with a task which is designed to develop your skills, thinking, and connections.

Optional Workbook

This PDF workbook will help to keep you on track and focused as you work through the 7 steps. Scroll down and click on the 'download' button under the document to save it to your computer.

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Many teachers would agree that becoming a "connected educator" and developing a PLN (Personal/Professional/Personalized Learning Network) is the most powerful thing you can do to improve your teaching and provide better outcomes for your students. This free self-paced course guides you through the process of building your PLN.

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Steps for setting up a PLN on Padlet for LEADERS in Education! 

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Steps for setting up a PLN on Padlet for LEADERS in Education! 

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Steps for creating a PADLET based PLN (Professional Learning Network)

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🤓 LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP - What are some areas you would love to have more research or materials on?

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🤓 LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP - What are some areas you would love to have more research or materials on?

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Developing your Personal Learning Network - VIDEO

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Developing your Personal Learning Network - VIDEO

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Developing your Personal Learning Network - VIDEO

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Developing your personal learning network