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This site contains a paper that explains the characteristics and distinguishing features of personal learning environments. It includes a table that outlines ownership, control, and literacy components.

A brief overview of Connectivism by Stephen Downes.

Stephen Downes must be an interesting fellow. I admit this article had me lost more than once, but, it was useful and kept my interest. I am starting to recognize the Downes from this assignment. I like his take on knowledge is grown rather than acquired. This is more a conversation than an article but offers good argument.

This is Stephen Downes' blog and gives a brief description of connectivism. It also includes Downes' responses to various comments related directly at connetivism.

This Wired article was about how Education 3.0 can be most effectively leveraged if educators have a good understanding on how the brain learns. Keeping in mind what learners care about, giving them the ability to place their learning in context, and allowing students to identify patterns of knowledge (think making connections in neural pathways) all can expand upon the the experience of learners in a course.

This site is a peer-reviewed journal on the Internet outlining the structure, content, and networking skills to use a personal learning network.

This site is complete with Siemen's Principles of Connectivism and offers several videos and Power Points by Stephen Downes explaining various elements of personal learning environment.

This paper describes the purpose of personal learning networks as they pertain to each individual. It includes a list of tools and their individual purposes.

This site explains the five stages of adopting a personal learning network: Immersion, Evaluation, Know it all, Perspective, and Balance. It includes an image that shows the evolution of those stages.

This article is about how different social networking tools can be used to support learning activities. Of particular focus in the article was which tools could be used to foster an attitude of lifelong learning. The article also explains the major principles of connectivism and how the role of a learner is continuously changing in a connectivist environment.

In this article Wegner continues to expand upon CoP's by defining their role in organizations and highlighting the success of organizations in using CoP's in coordination with social learning systems. Through this process organizations are able to meet a greater variety of needs for their employees. Wegner highlights how this process is the antithesis of normal "management styles" which is usually a top-down format. However, by working and associating in a variety of learning systems throughout regions or areas, people are more knowledgeable within their field.

This article addresses the many challenges of setting up a Personal Learning Environment. The article also discusses the many benefits and various modes of collaboration and online discussion forums.

This article is about how learning management systems can be set up to encourage the development of Personal Learning Environments and connectivist learning. Currently many LMS are not developing students who are reaching their potential in creativity and autonomous learning. The large limiting factor in this include lack of student or even instructor knowledge of tools within an LMS. This is creating students who are dependent on the resources available within their LMS rather than capable of finding their own resources to guide their learning. When designing an online course it is crucial that students have the opportunity to discuss their learning and to share resources among each other.

This source details the history of MOOCs and how they are beginning to make changes in higher education. It details some of the amazing possibilities of this relatively new educational option, but also many of the challenges that it faces.

This is a guest written article about creating a PLN. It has very good graphics illustrating a PLN. It also describes the different components of a PLN including information aggregation tools and the social media connections. It even shows the step for a beginner to get started including resources to use and also blogs to follow. Short and sweet and to the point.

Hi Cinnamon! Great resource! I really thought some of the graphics and links included in the article were helpful. The section on information aggregation and social media connections at the end of the article was especially helpful.

This article provides a snapshot of how personal learning networks work and their benefits. Torrey Trust explains that PLNs allow for professional development to be catered to your specific needs at that moment. Educators can seek instant feedback for questions or ideas they may share. She also outlines the main tools that make PLNs work, information aggregation and social media. It is a good article to for educators new to PLNs. It provides a good understanding of why PLNs are important to professional development and also explains the ways in which the information is shared.

This slide show outlines and describes the shift from virtual learning environments to personal learning environments. It includes multiple infographics that contribute to understanding.

It was interesting to look through this slideshow Courtney. I work as an online high school teacher and most of my job is done through an LMS. Learning about these PLNs though has me looking for ways to make sure my students are making connections.

This was a short source but it detailed how teachers can easily create a PLN using the Independent School Educators Network. From this resource they have access to professional development opportunities ranging from Google apps, iPads, Digital Citizenship, and others.

Two patterns have emerged in E-Learning - connection with people and connection with resources. The article includes descriptions on how self directed learning, the need for intrinsic motivation, and critical literacies all present challenges to a connectivist learning theory. When designing and teaching a course built around connected learning rather than a more traditional route special attention needs to be given to build in opportunities for students to interact with one another.

In this study, the role of a PLN using Twitter in a teacher preparation program. Teachers who were already using Twitter found that the power of Twitter as a PLN came not from the sharing of resources, but from the collaboration and conversations of other educators. Many new teachers were initially hesitant to use Twitter as a PLN, but with virtual mentors and an explanation as to the power of a PLN, new educators were more likely to use it as a powerful tool to develop their teaching practice.

I found this study particularly interesting as recently read a blog post by Etienne and Bev Wenger about whether or not colleges are utilizing the ideas of community of practice in their teacher prep programs. The findings of the study are not particularly surprising, teachers are hesitant to use Twitter but find the collaboration worthwhile. Both control groups were graduate students, I would be interested to find out if this is being implemented in any capacity at the undergrad level.

This study discusses the concept of using PLNs during teacher preparation programs. It discusses how newer teachers are more hesitant to use social media like Twitter and do not understand how valuable the tool can be. The studies findings emphasizes how PLNs promote professional development and allow for instant feedback through conversations and collaboration. The study also discusses how some teachers are hesitant at first, which I think is common thread for new and veteran teachers.

This is a simple resource that explains personal learning networks for those being introduced to it.

The first section of this resource is great for someone new to PLNs. It expresses how PLNs provide the tools and resources that allow for an educators continuous growth. I also like that this resource explains that teachers may still have face-to-face PLNs within their district or subject area. However, it is beneficial to have the digital PLN as well to allow for growth that can expand further and can be accessed at all times. In addition, this article emphasizes how it is important to remember the "personal" part of PLNs, you can adapt your PLN to your changing needs.

This video does a nice job of showing the benefits of PLNs. I like the "3 c's" this video outlines: collaboration, communication, and contribution. It provides examples of what make PLNs work and compares them to the typical professional development environment.

I wanted to know more about the difference between a personal learning network and a personal learning environment. This article does a great job of breaking down the differences even though they obviously work hand in hand.

What I love about this source is the section that discusses why PLEs are significant - I love how it talks about how it is student-driven. It is up to the learner to be in charge of their own learning path and provides authentic learning opportunities. With the creation of 2.0 tools, educators are able to differentiate to different learners with the creations of these tools and pairing students that are in the same skill-set or have similar interests for them to learn information and assist in making connections.

I like this source and how it explains PLEs, why they are important, who they are for, and even the downsides to them. It makes it an easy read and easy to find the information you are looking for. I also like how it includes a case study to align with the information that is given.

This source addresses personal learning networks and connected learning environments. It describes connected learning as important because information is so widespread and accessible, and learning is now happening flexibly. The source also discusses connectivity and communities of practice.

This article discusses the idea of connected learning and its benefits. It discusses how the learner can be at the center of their learning. Although this article focuses of incorporating connected learning to teaching practices, it can also be applied to gain a better understanding of forming personal learning networks to enhance ones professional growth.

I love the term "connected learning." I can't imagine learning in isolation. I have to take what I am reading and share it out on Twitter, I want to get the interaction of others to enrich and enhance what I am learning. Learning systems is a good way to put it. You have a system in place that involves connecting with others.