Blog Post 5- PLNs What Are They?

  What exactly are PLNs? I know I had certainly never heard of them before EDM310. A PLN is a set of people and tools that you may use to call upon for help, consultation, collaboration, or other assistance. After joining a PLN, you may access this group anytime and it is usually of no charge. There are many ways to access a PLN. It can be done through blogging, Twitter, or even Facebook. The best way to get involved in a PLN is by searching for topics that you find interesting and that you would like to learn more about. Once finding a certain person who you find appeals to your interests, take a look at the people with whom they interact. Learn more about these people, begin to follow them on Twitter and other forms of social media, and get a since of who these people are. Now comes the easy part, just sit back, observe, and learn. Once you feel you may have some insightful input on a topic of discussion, don't be afraid to comment and share your ideas with the group. Before you know it, you are involved within your very own PLN.

  In creating my own PLN, the first person I would add would be Dr. Strange. He has unlimited resources to other educators who are trying to further the world of education. Secondly I would add my favorite English teacher from high school, Sophie Hudson. She has recently published her second book, and is a very well known blogger across the South East. Also, I would add two of my favorite English professors from South Alabama, Dr. Knox and Dr. Harrington. Both of these professors are so passionate about the work that they do, and are always finding ways to keep the material interesting. In the words of Dr. Michael Fawcett in his video PLN Michael Fawcett he says, "If you're not in a PLN, what are you waiting for? Or better yet, we're waiting for you."