I agree! It is great to see that we are all starting to establish a successful PLN. I like how the number one tip is always to remember that it's about collaboration. The ultimate goal is to be resourceful and work with other people in your field. It was a stretch for me to create a blog, but I think it is going to be an excellent platform for me to discuss different experiences that occur in the classroom.

I like how this article explains that PLNs can allow an "educator to completely personalize their training." Teachers are always in different places based on their classroom, grade level, or school district. Therefore, teachers that have access to a PLN can find networks that focus on their passions and needs in the classroom. These connections can provide teachers with many opportunities to expand their teaching abilities.

Wow, this is a comprehensive resource! Check out page 17. There is a fascinating article titled, "Does Your PLN Help Your PLC Become a CoP?" It provides an excellent overview of the process for a professional learning community to become a community of practice. It shows how the different concepts are all intertwined to support educators developing connections to learn and grow from each other's experiences.

I enjoyed reading the article. My initial thoughts were that Twitter's lack of characters would be a hindrance to developing a community of practice online. However, the article explains how "it requires little effort beyond 280 character posts or photos" to connect with a vast range of educators. I think this is an excellent resource for teachers that want a quick and easy way to communicate with other professionals in their field. I am starting to use Twitter more through this course. I did my first Tweet last week! #EdTechSN

The author provides background information on personal learning networks (PLNs), as well as a simplified definition that breaks down each specific component of a PLN. Also, the post discusses the excitement behind virtual PLNs that implement and utilize social media for communication.

Here is Wikipedia's definition for a personal learning network. The explanation begins by explicitly stating that a personal learning network is an "informal learning network," which I think is an excellent distinction. The personal learning networks that we establish are for us to learn and grow as educators. I know Wikipedia sometimes gets a bad rap, but it came with references. :)

This blog post provides an excellent overview of the eight core principles of connectivism, and how it relates to global collaboration throughout education. Check out the infographic in the middle of the post. It shows a clear illustration of how connectivism is associated with individuals interacting and collaborating to obtain new information through technological systems. I like how it displays that all learning is now connected.

Dr. Sherri E. Ritter's blog post discusses the main ideas behind several learning theories. She also provides background information, a definition, and examples of connectivism. I like how Ritter suggests different apps at the bottom of the post to support connectivism in the classroom. I have used Remind101 before to safely and securely communicate with parents.

Check out this dissertation study that analyzed Apple Distinguished Educators as a social media platform for personal learning and networking. Chapter 2 displays an excellent overview of literature related to social media and communities of practice. Eller, L. S. (2012). Social media as avenue for personal learning for educators: Personal learning networks encourage application of knowledge and skills (Order No. 3498101). Available from ProQuest Central. (925788703). Retrieved from http://libproxy.boisestate.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/docview/925788703?accountid=9649

Siemens explains what connectivism is and how it originated. After reading many articles by the reseracher, it was beneficial to see and hear him discuss connectivism. Enjoy the video!

This article clearly explains the key components and principles of the theory of connectivism. It also shows the growth of interest related to connectivism related to Google blog searches. There are a plethora of useful resources and links associated with learning in a connected world.

http://usir.salford.ac.uk/2569/1/ConnectivismEdDev.pdf:public

This article discusses professional online presence and learning networks within a teacher education context. Forbes (2017) provides an overview of using social media in education and explains the variety of benefits and challenges for teachers. The researcher focuses on encouraging educators to protect their online reputation while continuing to use social media to develop personal learning networks proactively.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qudQ-4Zauucr2CIbqaf11uc7aV5P5fx9/view?usp=sharing

Forbes, D. (2017). Professional Online Presence and Learning Networks: Educating for Ethical Use of Social Media. International Review Of Research In Open And Distributed Learning, 18(7), 175-190.

Picciano (2017) analyzes learning theories related to online education, such as connectivism, behaviorism, and cognitivism. The researcher then attempts to create a common integrated theory of online education model. This article gave an excellent overview of connectivism, and how the learning model has identified significant changes in the way that knowledge and information flow within education.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OAuW0nJ081dJQCtnBqj7h7NL9tag5_7N/view?usp=sharing

Picciano, A. G. (2017). Theories and frameworks for online education: Seeking an integrated model. Online Learning, 21(3), 166-190. doi: 10.24059/olj.v21i3.1225

https://blog.yorksj.ac.uk/moodle/2014/05/13/what-is-a-personal-learning-network/

The blog post from York St. John University defines personal learning networks (PLNs) and personal learning environments (PLEs). It discusses how PLNs are associated with the theory of connectivism, which helps educators further develop their personal and professional knowledge. Also, the author shows examples of his learning network to compare to your own.

Hi, everyone,

My name is Barak Stanley, and I just joined this group. I went to a seminar by Rick Morris that discussed including music into everyday classroom routines. It has changed my teaching career. My 1st-grade students are very receptive to the music, and it makes the class much more engaging and fun. I use an Apple TV and iPad to play specific music cues for transitions, as well as classical and jazz music for individual and partner work times. Check out some more information at http://www.newmanagement.com/index.html #EdTechSN