The Importance of Online Personal Learning Networks.

Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) are the groups of people around us that help us develop skills and knowledge.

They can be:

Work colleagues.
Teachers in other schools.
People who you network with.
Online PLN’s (usually social media based).

What are online PLN’s?

Many teachers are now learning from each other online. This can happen through belonging to shared Facebook groups or following educators on Twitter and taking part in ‘Twitter chats‘.

Why should you have an online PLN?

Colleagues in your school are no doubt invaluable to your pedagogical development, however, they will have had similar experiences to you. The amazing thing about an online PLN is that you are sharing ideas and resources with people all over the world; imagine the number of different perspectives and experiences that are being thrown in to discussions.

How do I do it?

I really like Twitter. I follow inspirational educators and click the ‘follow’ button so I get a notification every time they Tweet. I also follow a number of online blogs. But my favourite way of learning is through Twitter chats. They are such a great way of discussing educational issues and finding out new ways of teaching. Click here for a list of good Twitter chats you can join. I am also a moderator for this one:

PLN’s have created so many opportunities for me and my class. Me and ‘Mr O’Donovan’ connected on Twitter and it will be hopefully the start of a collaborative, online project between our classes.