Sally's ePortfolio - Module 2 by Sally Cleminson

PLN Benefit #4

s_cleminson1 — 2015-01-17 06:34:25 UTC

Becoming familiar with them can develop your own skills and understandings of various types of technology - for your own benefits in and outside of the classroom. PLNs are an excellent way to become more technologically literate: getting familiar with the various websites and modes in which they operate is likely to increase one's comfort in using technologies altogether. They can easily pique new passions, nourish existing interests, and open new windows of opportunity for personal learning. They extend beyond your career as tools for your classroom - I believe that PLNs can help you grow as a whole person.

PLN Benefit #3

s_cleminson1 — 2015-01-17 07:09:02 UTC

PLNs are essentially built on relationships and sharing - regardless of location, language, or skill-set. I was happily surprised that, on my Edmodo teacher's account, I could the University of Alberta as my "school" ('pre-service teacher student), and that with this account I could connect and gain from all sorts of other teachers who's experiences are substantially more than my own. I'm not a teacher yet, but I can already benefit from online relationships and connections with professional educators... this potential for mentoring is extremely valuable to me, as I continue to work towards my degree and career.

PLN Benefit #2

s_cleminson1 — 2015-01-17 07:09:14 UTC

The other teachers and administrative staff in one's school may not have the optimal answers and suggestions to questions and issues you will almost undoubtedly have as a modern-day teacher. PLNs - in their many forms - allow for teachers to share their questions and struggles online and on many sites, receive personal answers from real-life teachers. Most websites and publishing companies will commend and advertise their products positively - to sell - but PLNs are a way to test-run materials' efficiencies without necessarily purchasing and using first. Other teachers can advise and suggest what has already worked for them. PLNs hinge upon personableness and mutual support!

PLN Benefit #1

s_cleminson1 — 2015-01-17 07:09:40 UTC

It's the pro that everyone brings up - and why not? Investing time and energy in building up a PLN online exposes teachers to advice, resources, ideas and general support far, far beyond the walls of their classrooms or schools. PLNs centre upon international, inter-cultural educational, cross-curricular connections between professionals for pedagogical techniques, programs, web and technology tools and endlessly more. Teachers across the world can share activities, lesson plans and resources that worked for them - and can do so personally. PLNs on websites such as Edmodo are brilliant for online community-building and support that is not limited by time, space or location.