Wenger-Trayner give an overview of what constitutes a community of practice (CoP). It differentiate between a community and a CoP. Three features of CoP are given: domain, community, and practice. It is more than common interest; it involves interaction among practitioner who want to learn from each other. The article is helpful to understanding how to develop a PLN.

Remington outlines the impact of the digital world on learning. He explains connectivist learning as a shift from what a student knows to the knowledge of where to acquire the knowledge. Various strategies are given to help teachers incorporate connectivist principles into the classroom.

Vicki Davis equates the student PLN to a virtual locker. The content in the virtual locker changes as students shift from one project to another. Whether it is an RSS feed or Twitter following, the students are developing networks to acquire the information. PLN allow student learning to become more self-directed. The article addresses the challenges for educators face as PLNs become more prevalent in the classroom.

This blog entry streamlines the process for getting started with a PLN. It provides a directory of web 2.0 to help build a dynamic PLN. Links are provided. The video "The Networked Student" by Design Inspired by commoncraft is embedded; it highlights the benefits of being a networked student.

Edutopia's article defines PLN and provides concrete ways for educators to establish one. While it addresses the barriers for mass adoption of PLN, the focus is to highlight the collaborative nature of PLN. It is this collaboration that allows for personal and professional growth.

This is a step-by-step guide to setting up and growing CoP. It defines CoP and discusses why they are important. The guide also outlines how to establish and grow the community. At the heart of any successful CoP is purpose. A rubric is given to help identify the effectiveness of the community both in terms of infrastructure and language of inquiry.

This article gives an overview as to what communities of practice CoP are. It describes the characteristics of CoP: domain, community, and practice. The article stresses that CoP are not just like-minded people, but they are where people can interact with others to learn with and from others. CoP rely on active participation. Sharing and learning are at the heart of CoP.

This article defines what a PLN is and the necessity for educators to develop one. It describes the difference between developing a PLN and being "connected." It argues that PLNs allow educators to individualize professional development. With the emergence of technology in education, I see this as a necessary tool for the 21st century educator.

This article defines connectivism and its connection to information literacy and pedagogical practice.It explores the relationship between connectivist principles and ACRL Information Literacy Standards. It argues that if librarians and educators do not learn pedagogical strategies, students who are active learners will be ill equipped to create and evaluate new information.

Edutopia is one of my favorite resources. This is a great article on using Twitter for professional development.

For Moodle users, this site has everything from webinars to updates. It is very helpful.

Written by George Siemens, this article outlines the necessity of a new learning theory that addresses the impact of the Web 2.0. By explaining behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism, Siemens provides the argument for connectivism in the digital world. The article is a starting point for anyone who needs a working definition of connectivism or wants to compare it to other prominent learning theories. He presents the idea that "the pipe is more important than the content within the pipe."

Written by George Siemens, this article outlines the necessity of a new learning theory that addresses the impact of the Web 2.0. By explaining behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism, Siemens provides the argument for connectivism in the digital world. The article is a starting point for anyone who needs a working definition of connectivism or wants to compare it to other prominent learning theories. He presents the idea that "the pipe is more important than the content within the pipe."

For Moodle users, this site has everything from webinars to updates. It is very helpful.

Edutopia is one of my go-to sight. Here is an article on using Twitter for professional development.
http://www.edutopia.org/twitter-professional-development-technology-microblogging