http://www.gettingsmart.com/2012/01/personal-learning-networks-for-educators-10-tips/

In this article, 10 tips are provided for those who are new to a PLN. I found this article to be extremely informative as someone who has not formally joined a PLN. I thought that it provided a series of very informative descriptions on how to act, how to operate and how to be an active member of a PLN.

http://info.shiftelearning.com/blog/personal-learning-networks

This article, although it is rather long, is very informative. This article does a great job of defining PLN but also goes into detail about what a PLN isn't, as well as the difference between a PLN, and CoP and a PLE. It compares the three and identifies the differences between all three. This article also describes the importance of creating a PLN - it provides a constant stream of knowledge and space to exchange and share ideas and thoughts.

https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2011/05/19/5-personal-learning-networks-plns-for-educators/

This article quickly and succinctly describes what a PLN is and then provides 5 already set up PLNs that are geared towards educators such as The Educators PLN, Powerful Learning Practice, Classroom 2.0, EdChat, and edWeb.net. The article also provides resources for finding and/or creating your own PLN.

http://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/what-is-a-personal-learning-network/

This article, even though it is short and sweet, does a great job of describing what exactly a PLN is. It simplifies the idea from hashtags and movements and social engagement and badges and, well, all the buzzwords you hear, into a clear explanation that works not just within education, but any field. This article also features a video that explains PLN's very well.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259552573_Three_problems_with_the_connectivist_conception_of_learning (you have to download the PDF)

In this article, three main problems with the new connectivism theory of learning are pointed out and described in detail. With its emergence in 2005, connectivism was quickly thought to be the learning theory for the digital age. However, its status as a learning theory has been questioned. According to the authors, connectivism does not address the learning paradox, which is: How does somebody come to know something? If the learner does not know something, they cannot look for it, as they will be unable to recognize it even if it appears before their eyes. A key idea of connectivism is that students are able to make connections based on what they find through research and other Web 2.0 tools. Without that prior knowledge, even if it is hardly there, how can they search for something they don't know about? The authors also bring up issues regarding development of knowledge and underconceptualization of knowledge. Based on the information in this article, connectivism is not able to explain learning and provide a theoretical basis for pedagogical decisions. The article was optimistic in saying that it could happen in the future, connectivism is just not there yet, in its current state. This peer-reviewed article was credible and engaging. It provided a different approach to the connectivist learning theory and pointed out elements that no other article did.

http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/523/1103

In this article, Rita Kop and Adrian Hill delve into analyzing the emerging theory of connectivism, aiming to answer the question, "Is connectivism a learning theory?" In an attempt to answer this question, the authors take a look at previous learning theories that have shaped the idea of constructivism. After discussion about different learning theories and how a learning theory is best constructed, the authors came to the conclusion that connectivism is not yet a learning theory on its own. Instead, it is an idea that supports new pedagogical practices, practices like student-centered learning environments, online communication, and a network of learning through a community. Because current learning theories are not supporting the needs of students in today's classrooms, connectivism is an idea that will help meet the needs of current students. This paper connects constructivism and connectivism as an emerging learning theory. Both are based on making connections and constructing your own learning in a way that makes sense to you. I found this peer-reviewed article to be very credible and insightful.

http://libproxy.boisestate.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/docview/1634475578?accountid=9649

In this article, the idea of Web 2.0 tools being more prevalent in today's classrooms is discussed. Tools like e-books, e-journals, blogs, wikis, skype, virtual conferences, twitter and much more have recently been welcomed into classrooms across the globe. This recent change in tools used in classrooms has caused some discrepancies in regards to the education theories that are applicable in classrooms. With these discrepancies comes the idea to include alternative frameworks like connectivism. Because Web 2.0 tools provide opportunities for interaction, communication and emergent learning, it is distinguished from more traditional modes of learning, which is where connectivism as a learning theory comes into play. I found this article credible and helpful. I think that it provides interesting information on how Web 2.0 has paved the way for a new learning theory to be developed.

http://libproxy.boisestate.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/docview/1634476070?accountid=9649

In this article, connectivism is described as contrasting with traditional behaviorist, cognitivist, and constructivist approaches to learning theories. This article made an interesting point about how learning in today's day and age is impossible without the role of network technologies, the connections within these networks and how these influence knowledge. The article made several points about how connectivism should elaborate using social constructivist thinking, specifically focusing on dialogue. The article puts a specific emphasis on how learning is turning to web platforms and how even though we are communicating over the Internet, we are still humans communicating with humans. The article argues that future focus should be put on the learning dialogue processes within connectivism. I found this peer-reviewed article to be interesting and credible. I think that it brought about different ideas for connectivism and provided a point of view that was different than other articles.

https://doi.org/10.1108/00907321111186686

This article seeks to describe the theory of connectivism as a learning theory to help explain how students learn informational literacy. Connectivism, as described by Dunaway, is the learners' ability to make connections and make learning happen after those connections are made. In this way, constructivism and connectivism connect. The article continues by exploring learning theories, why they matter, and why we should consider new learning theories. The article states that with the digital age, the way in which we access information has changed. The internet allows learners to engage with millions of resources immediately. With this, comes discussions about the paradigm shift that is happening in regards to old teaching styles not meeting the needs of new students. Web 2.0 tools are causing a shift in the way that educators look at schooling as a whole. Connectivism is a way to bridge new ideas with traditional learning theories like behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and humanism. This article suggests that we look at connectivism as a theory of learning for the new age of technology. I found this peer-reviewed article to be credible and useful for providing information on connectivism as a learning theory.

http://libproxy.boisestate.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/docview/1634474815?accountid=9649

In this article, author Frances Bell, addresses the idea of connectivism as a learning theory first by addressing how Web 2.0 technology has changed the way in which we learn and access information. The article addresses how web-enabled learning has resulted in disjointed theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. These theories no longer provide an adequate framework for the students we have in our classrooms. However, is connectivism the theory for the digital age that will replace all previous theories? Bell states that connectivism is insufficient as a theory to inform learning. Instead, it exists as an influential phenomenon to inspire teachers to change their practice to meet the needs of the learners in their classrooms today. I found this peer-review article to be very credible and helpful in understanding connectivism as an emerging learning theory.

Here is the website my students and I update. Most exciting places to look: Room 13 news (blog that I update) and Student News (updates from the kids). My newsletters are pretty cute but nothing too exciting :)
Don't judge me.. the site hasn't been updated in a while because I took 5 weeks off at the end of the year for surgery so I haven't seen my kiddies in 3 weeks!

https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/Domain/746