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This article was the study of professional learning networks and the impact they had on teachers. There were anecdotal responses given with teachers identifying specifically what had improved their practice because of the strength of their PLN. The author identified that not only is creating a PLN a skill, but it is also a mentality.

The following peer-reviewed article notes the expectation of professional development in the workplace. Individuals and cohorts in all professions may receive training and PD that only goes so far. It's critical for all individuals to continue to develop and strengthen their skills, attitudes, and knowledge through the use of Personal Learning Networks. This article highlights the pros and cons of a Twitterstorm, but ultimately captivates the need to seek-out other professional beyond your institution.

Stephen Downes, in Learning Networks in Practice, details a concise history of personal learning environments, including communities of practice. He also ties this evolution in thought and practice to Web 2.0. He emphasizes creation, not consumption, as well as context, not class. Learning becomes more informal and multi-disciplinary. Downes acknowledges that the "theory" of PLEs can't specify an organization that will facilitate learning better than any other organization. Instead, he presents 4 parts of a 'semantic principle'. These parts will support personal learning environments and, in his opinion, will be more effective for learning: diversity, autonomy, connectedness and openness.

Facebook's founder, Mark Zuckerberg highlights the ways in which we are all connected in society and the various communities we are linked with. Mark emphasizes the need to continue to network and stay connected. Our history is based on connections in society and we have continued to grow. Although only one platform to grow from, Mark's Facebook Community has offered our society and people countless opportunities to connect and grow personally and professionally.

This article explores how to find a balance between teacher control and student autonomy in personal learning environments. I like the author's observation that students are "networked learners in training." Page 3 has a networked teacher model, while page 4 of the article shows a diagram model of a networked student. A networked student uses constructivism based on experiences and social interactions. Meaningful learning is made up of knowledge construction, conversation, articulation, collaboration and reflection. The remainder of the article details a test case with networked learning. And there is a link to a YouTube presentation of the project, at the end of the conclusion.

Thank you for sharing this article. The diagrams painted a good picture of the networked teacher and student. It was interesting the direction the arrows were pointing in both pictures!

Even though I am not a K-12 teacher, I found this simple infographic list 10 reasons why you should have a Personal Learning Network. A Personal Learning Network can help inspire you to take on a new challenge, encourage new ideas, and keep you connected with other teachers passionate about teaching.

Love this graphic! It makes the PLN concept so simple and easy to follow. I must have reviewed the same article.

The infographic included in this post is great. It helps understand the need for PLN's in a simple way.

This article includes valuable information about the theory of connectivism and well as an introduction to PLNs. It discusses the need to externalize learning to make sense of it. The author goes on to explain how social media can help accomplish this. In addition, it gives the background of PLNs and explains how it gives teachers the opportunity to impact multiple communities

We live in an ever evolving world, PLN's aren't exempt from this. This article deals with three ways PLNs are evolving. 1. Sharing is becoming more agile 2. Learning is about challenging yourself 3. Personal is becoming professional

This article gives teachers 4 different PLNs they can explore for free. They have ready made networks that teachers can join and participate in free of charge. It describes each forum and how private or public each are. Along with specific topics that are being addressed.

This is a really great resource for learning about PLNs for teachers and figuring out which PLNs would work for you.

4 Fantastic and Free Professional Learning Networks for Teachers This article provides 4 free PLN tools for teachers to help them use social media and technology to collect, communicate, collaborate, and create with other educators worldwide. While Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn can be used by teachers, these PLN tools are designed with teachers in mind. Covered in this article are The Teaching Channel, Digital Is, KQED Education, and Twitter. https://thejournal.com/articles/2015/10/06/4-fantastic-and-free-professional-learning-networks-for-teachers.aspx

"Communities of practice (CoPs) are among the professional development strategies most widely used in such fields as management and education." This article expresses the use of Communities of practice as a part of the healthcare sector. I enjoyed reading about the similarities of needs among these professions and education, as all professionals should be involved in various communities of practice.

This page by TeachThought Staff connects to a video by Marc-André Lalande that gives a simple definition and explanation of a personal learning network.

Summary: Defines what a PLN is, also has a great video resource. Focuses on how personal a PLN can be and how we are all connected.

Perfect resource for understanding what a PLN really is. I love the simplicity of this article and the way it guides the reader through with a video. It really is a great place to start to being to make sense of PLN. One thing that was shared at the end was that views will continue to change as technology evolves. Love that thought.

Summary: This research delves into the use of personal learning networks with teachers via survey. The two main sites used among the responders were Facebook and Twitter. A user of Twitter expands their network when they deem they have found someone interesting, whom they have learned something new from. It continues to discuss features that would be needed with both sites in order to further future professional growth opportunities

In this article Nicole Cooke, a Reference and Instruction Librarian encourages fellow librarians to keep abreast of the latest technology and the most current ways of seeking information so that they are prepared to help satisfy the needs of today's library patrons. She suggests that librarians prepare themselves for the evolving library patron by participating in professional development activities. In particular, Cooke advocates that librarians seek out the current educational opportunities that are available through various Web 2.0 applications. Cooke then moves on to describe how librarians can incorporate new learning opportunities into their day to day functions through the use of social media platforms such as blogs and wikis. Cooke ends the article by talking about personal learning networks and how librarians should take advantage of social media platforms to form connections with others in the field for professional growth.

I think this is a great article. I agree that anyone who is in education has to stay "savvy." I especially liked the comment "Maintaining competence and learning new skills must be at the top of every professional's "To Do" list. It is an ethical responsibility, to be sure, but also one that is pragmatic and critical for career success. [...] Continuing professional education is no longer an option, it is a requirement of professional practice. "

I am glad to see you posted a link to a PLN for librarians. I think understanding PLNs purpose and framework comes easier when it is viewed from a particular perspective (i.e. Librarians). I do think PLNs are particularly useful in the digital age with some much information and professional development resources readily available.