Welcome to our professional learning series on building a PLN. This series guides you step by step through the process of setting up your own PLN. The aim of this first step is to: Explain what is a PLN. Help you understand why educators create their own PLN.

I stumbled across the video that a former student created that shows the differences of CoPs, Connectivism, and PLEs. What is cool is that the author uses only pictures, music, and written text to define them - no dialogue.

The paper discusses whether Communities of Practice are relative today with the development of web 2.0 technologies especially when in comes to work-place learning.

This short article emphasizes how social networks can build your Personal Learning Network. One great advantage is that your PLN can be accessed 24/7 The article suggests the use of Twitter, blogging, and other Social sites to connect with other education professionals to collaborate and learn.

Another great youtube video that describes connectivism in layman terms. I like this video because it explains easily how connectivism works by connecting people together through social sites to help people learn. The video also gives a brief description of Behaviorism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism. A great find!

This great Prezi presentation demonstrates how connectivism can be used in the classroom to helps students learn. The presentation explains the WHY of Connectivism in the classroom.

This blogger shared ideas on how as an educator you can embrace the learning theory of Connectivism. She states that connectivism revolves around creating online networks of learning. Through these networks, knowledge is shared. She states that Web 2.0 tools encourage this learning theory by default. Just by using Facebook, Twitter, creating digital portfolios and blogs to discuss and share education, you are on the right path to discovering the benefits Connectivism.

I love this article. The article briefly describes the learning theory of Connectivism. The article also reviews learning theories of the past. The main point this article works to answer is whether Connectivism has a place as a learning theory for today's learners. Should Connectivism be the new learning theory that replaces older theories because they no longer address the needs of today's learners.

This blogger explains in his opinion the difference between a PLN and CoP. He admits that they are both so similar, but explains a couple of way they differ. PLN's can be more random, where of CoPs are not. In other words in PLN's people can connect via the web at random or different times to learn something where in CoP's meetings are more deliberate and subject focused. Also, another difference is that PLN are extremely flexible and loose where CoP's have a shared domain.

I hope its ok to post a video about Communities of Practice because this is a great video that demonstrates how a community of practice can help people learn from each other. If I had to understand what a CoP is, this short 3 minute video is all you need. Take a watch!

This article discusses the University of Tazmania's drive to emphasize and encourage peer learning and communities of practice to help their students achieve more and be prepared for a life time of learning. The article explains that a CoP is a community of people with the same interest working together to learn and build knowledge.The article discusses how this strategy for learning can help in the higher Ed. The article also includes a worksheet to help brainstorm ways to start a new CoP.

This is a great resource giving the reader an introduction to CoP - a group of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.. The best part of this resource are the 3 critical characteristics of a CoP (domain, community, and practice) explained well.

I love TED because I enjoy watching or reading new ideas and innovations in education. My favorite is Ken Robinson's talk called "How Schools are Killing Creativity." Watch it when you get a chance...worth the 19 minutes of your time