PLN: Professional Learning Network by Joanne Pham

Ease of mind.

jpham1 — 2015-01-19 21:24:55 UTC

Being a new teacher can be a daunting task, but having a network full of professionals and resources will undoubtedly help you prepare for whatever is to come.

Connections.

jpham1 — 2015-01-19 21:26:07 UTC

We live in a society where your connections are often what helps you exceed. Through the use of PLNs, we are able to connect with individuals who we likely would not have come in contact with otherwise. Furthermore, it gives us the chance to connect with those from different education systems. For example, as somebody who hopes to be within the Edmonton Public School Board, I may have the chance to connect with an educator from somewhere in Europe.

Innovations.

jpham1 — 2015-01-19 21:28:14 UTC

The world is constantly changing and evolving. This also applies to the world of education. Through the use of a PLN, K-12 teachers would be able to connect with the newest innovations and would therefore be able to help students with the learning techniques and technologies that are constantly being invented.

Convenience.

jpham1 — 2015-01-19 21:30:21 UTC

Having a PLN such as Twitter ensures that the moment you've posted something it's likely that another individual has seen it. That being said, questions are answered instantaneously, and resources can be reached the moment they are needed. This would be extremely beneficial in classrooms where a change of schedule is needed or there are issues that need to be addressed.

Constant source of knowledge.

jpham1 — 2015-01-19 21:32:29 UTC

Personally, I believe that teachers never stop learning. Through the PLN networks, we are able to learn from everything that is connected to our networks. This includes all the different perspectives and mindsets that are valued within our career.

Mentors.

jpham1 — 2015-01-19 21:36:44 UTC

Generally speaking, the individuals that you are following on your PLN are experts in the field. As a teacher, having somebody who is experienced and willing to offer advice is extremely beneficial. After all, there is nobody who knows the struggles and joys associated with a job than another teacher who has been in your shoes, or a professional who is willing to offer outcomes and resources for whatever you face.