This source is geared for the post-secondary setting but the information can be applied to anyone. The post discusses steps to creating a personal learning network but also explains why it is important and should be focused on. Many "tip" lists just name reasons but don't give you a larger picture of why it should be considered.

This Boise State University site outlines CoP's that are accessible to those going into and already part of education. The activity levels of each community vary and and they are always accepting new ideas for possible groups in the future.

This short video clip explains the difference between networks and communities of practice. The content is not education focused but gives a clear description of each and helps to highlight their differences.

While this article provides examples of communities of practice in action and provides easy to understand definitions it also discusses ways in which CoP's can be sustained. It's one thing to understand their purpose or how to get them started but what do we do once they are up and running? How can we keep a CoP going for say multiple school years rather than diminish over time?

This article provides characteristics of communities of practice and examples of where they can be seen but what stood out to me as being useful information is how to keep CoP's productive and "nurtured." The focus of implementing CoP's is not in education but rather business; however, the information is still relevant and applicable.

The National Council of Teachers of English wrote this briefing with the intent of helping not just English teachers but any educator understand the alignment, implementation, and instructional support of a CoP. The comprehensive but short article is an easy read to get a basic outline of communities of practice.

These 5 tips for using connectivism in an eLearning environment are helpful in understanding how this learning theory can be seen in an educational setting. While not all learning environments are strictly eLearning, the same suggestions can apply to incorporating technology when possible.

This short video includes visual images to accompany an overview of what connectivism is and what this learning theory looks like both in classrooms and the real-world. This video can provide a foundation to build upon as more research and understanding is conducted to further understand the theory.

I find most Ted Talks super engaging and this one was no different. Thinking about PLN's I have only been considering myself and the benefits for educators to be involved in them...but what about the students? The focus of this talk is to promote the use PLN's with students - helping them to find resources beyond just the teacher and build teams. It goes on further to briefly discuss how this can enhance a student centered classroom.

This Q&A style article outlines the importance of building a PLN. The source is from a post-secondary outlet but the discussion can be beneficial for educators at any level. I particularly like the focus on using social media to help foster a productive PLN environment; it relates well to the content of 543.

Lessons and resources for teaching health related content to students K-12. Great resource for adding extensions or modifications to current lesson plans.