Personal Learning Network (PLN)
Welcome to the most exciting time in the history of American education!
Yes, I’m dead serious!
Despite the recent criticisms that placate and point fingers at teachers and schools, the fact is that we have lots to be excited about. We are currently in the midst of a digital education transformation. This transformation is linking schools, teachers, parents, and students together due to the advancement of social networking and digital media tools. People have access to endless information and resources, all of which can be obtained instantly. Students who never had access to equitable education resources now have a level learning-field thanks to social media and other education technological tools.
As for educators, we have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues around the world in real-time. This amazing opportunity affords educators, scholars, researchers, and parents the ability to form personal learning networks and share information with one another.
Such personal learning networks (PLN) and digital collaborative outlets enable individuals to have an immediate impact toward transforming education. People can create blog posts, link to articles, Tweet opinions, retweet others’ opinions and stories, upload videos, and/or comment on others’ digital works. The fact is, thanks wholly to social networking tools, you have the opportunity to communicate and directly collaborate with many folks you’d ordinarily never have the chance to meet in person.
See…I told you this is the most exciting time in the history of American education!
The ultimate “power” in such personal learning networks is unparalleled.
I recently read a quote by Ruth Cohenson regarding PLNs, “The power we have through networking is humbling, frightening, and exciting. Use it well.”
