Summary: This article provides a great introduction to PLNs. It shares what a PLN is, and why PLNs should be used in education; it also provides the benefits of PLNs and examples of PLN platforms that are available to teachers. Although touches on "how to" establish your own PLN I think it covers enough of the other areas to make it worthwhile, especially for PLN newbies. Presentations (videos, slide shows, etc.) on PLNs are also posted.

Summary: This thesis paper explores Connectivism theory and the instructional tools that support that theory. It also explores how college educators can access specific Web 2.0 and LMS tools in order to create a learner centred course or course work. The paper explains what Connectivism is and how certain technology tools or resources support this theory. The author cites Siemens and Prensky as well as other leading Connectivists.

I thought some of you might find this blog post interesting as it explores how Hatfield has "disrupted" education as we know it ... all because of his approach to learning. In her view he has taught the author seven important concepts, such as the authentic use of social media, the importance of self-directed learning, and the need for curiosity to advance learning. He inspired her because she made him part of her PLN.

Summary: This article focuses on a CoP who have come together to create and Adaptable Personal Learning Environment for people with disabilities. Their goal is to create a virtual learning environment that a user can adapt to meet his or her own unique needs. By using an existing system (Portland VLE) and updating it they will be able to improve access. Their basic goal is to establish access for all (in their region). The other long term goal is to allow users to create their own PLE which will enable to them to create their own learning network. I am not sure if this article meets the criteria set out by our instructor but I liked the idea that people are working together to create a technological interface that will bring not only technology access to people with disabilities but will also allow them to create a personal learning environment and / or learning network!

Summary: This article examines the distinguishing features of PLEs. The authors assert that PLEs are complex activity systems; therefore, they want to prove that key elements of PLEs can be described using Activity Theory. Section 2.3 provides a nice overview on Activity Theory, while section 4 reflects their findings. To read the article click the MSWord link. I appreciate the fact that they include diagrams and charts -- these make the article user-friendly.

Summary: The authors of this article clearly prove that a learner who is in control of h/her own learning will benefit the most, especially if h/she designs and navigates h/her own network. A learner will learn whether the connection is strong or weak as long as h/she has: 1) a choice in what network is joined, 2) a true passion or interest, and 3) a flexible method of communication (could be in person or via technology).

Summary: This user-friendly article discusses what CoPs are and what they look like. I appreciated the fact that Etienne Wenger says a CoP could be " … a tribe learning to survive, a band of artists seeking new forms of expression, a group of engineers working on similar problems, a clique of pupils defining their identity in the school, a network of surgeons exploring novel techniques, a gathering of first-time managers helping each other cope." However, he also adds, that sharing the same job or the same job title doesn't mean you are part of a CoP. A true community must interact and learn together! This article provides a great starting point for those who do not know much about CoP and / or where the concept came from.

Summary: Although the paper identifies three challenges to Connectivist Learning (self-directed, presence and critical literacies) the findings, based on Kop's research, suggest that social networked learning does work. The paper includes students responses, both positive and negative, about their learning experiences. I found that aspect of the paper fascinating.

Summary: This article identifies a three pronged approach to teacher professional development: PLC, PLN and CoP. These three types of learning communities are explored by connecting each type of learning community to a learning theory or theories and / or how the use of technology also improves learning communities. Support is provided by citing studies and literature most relevant to community learning in the digital age.

Summary: This article identifies possible gaps in Connectivism (as a learning theory) and its interpretation when it comes to MOOCs. The article explores the principles that are not addressed or not supported by Connectivism. Some of these "forgotten" principles are: motivation, self-efficacy, cognitive load, prior knowledge, avoids scaffolding, doesn't differentiate between expert and novice, and ignores novices' needs.

Summary: This article compares Connectivism to other learning theories (Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism). It also includes the principles of Connectivism and explains why this theory is important (and more relevant when compared to other learning theories) in the digital age. Some principles of Connectivism that are emphasized in the article are: diversity in opinions, choosing what to learn, connecting, sharing knowledge, fostering life long learning.

I love mind maps (both paper and digital) and have used them in a variety of ways with my ELA students (grades 9 - 12). One of my favorite digital mind map sites is http://www.mindomo.com/. This one combines text and images. I only use the free version!

I forgot to add that these maps also allow for real-time collaboration!

"Muzy is a new kind of blog for your creative side!" I just found this wonderful site the other day ... it reminds me of Tumblr but allows you to post to your Muzy blog using unique and creative apps. User-friendly, fun, social, and mobile. You can access it on-line or through a mobile device.

Great site. Thanks for sharing.