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Thanks for sharing this site Terrence. This is a good basic resource for someone learning about CoPs. I like the FAQ's aspect of it.

I liked this blog post for two reasons. One, it gets you thinking about how you can use twitter in your everyday class. How will my students use this tool/app. Two, it can be used for formal assessing different concepts to see if your students are understanding. It's simple, short, and to the point in answering questions. Teachers can get a quick glance at what students know and what needs to be retaught.

It amazes me how vast the uses for Twitter are. The more I read about how it can be used for PD and broadening my own scope of learning, the more impressed I am. So many students already use it for social/personal reasons, why not tap into the source and reach the kids where they are? I noticed at Open House for my high school son last night that many teachers are using Twitter to keep the parents in the loop, but to also share resources with the students instead of maintaining formal, dated teacher websites.

Bell, F. (2010). Connectivism: Its place in theory-informed research and innovation in technology-enabled learning. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 12(3), 98-118. Unlike the other articles I've discussed regarding Connectivism Frances starts by detailing the world Internet market. Which is an interesting starting point because in order for Connectivism to be a qualifying learning theory for everyone, the actual "connection" part must be prevalent. This is the first article that draws attention to the potential digital divide that could keep some countries and regions from the potential benefits of Connectivism. From his subtle inclusion of what can be read as the digital divide, he details the history of sharing on the Internet, and the general practice of sharing the Internet in itself has created. I also like that Frances describes Connectivism as a learning theory not looking to take over past practices but collaborate with them. This was an important note compared to the other articles I read that were determined to sell Connectivism as the all or nothing approach towards the future of web 2.0 in learning either for or against. Finally Frances discusses Connectivism role in research and those looking for a more fundamental understanding of research done on Connectivism and regarding Connectivism. The author tackles both topics with great research backing up all scenarios and discussions.

Is connectivism a real learning theory? This article explores the theory through different aspects of the digital era and how other learning theories (i.e. behaviorism, constructivism) are observed through various scenarios involving technology.

This is a very interesting article. I like reading more about connectivism because for some reason I find it difficult to understand. It questions whether connectivism should be considered a learning theory.

This article provides some great background on the theory of connectivism: its beginnings, major influencers, and basic principles. The article goes on to question whether connectivism alone is enough to answer all of the questions regarding how best to reach students in the technology-abled classroom. The article provides 5 scenarios to tackle the question, and offers some thought-provoking findings.

Like many other educational articles, this writer questions whether connectivism deserves a place as a learning theory in its own right. Bell discusses the growing use of the internet as a classroom and how connectivism applies. He also discusses connectivism as a phenomenon versus a learning theory.

Connectivism: Frances Bell explores theories in technology-enabled learning. Bell states, in 5 different scenarios, that it is proven that with our global society we should keep researching how to improve connections and learn from the past. Not all countries or people are equal when it comes to technology.

This 2011 journal article discusses how researchers can bring more rigor to research into Connectivism to counter the claims of some analysts that insist the concept lacks true academic support. Their final results indicate that Connectivism alone can not be a theory for education, but instead needs to work in congruence with other theories. A wide variety of reasons from personal preference to funding will influence which theories we use. As technology expands, so does research.

This article examines connectivism and its role as a learning theory in the digital age. It explains the principles of connectivism and provides scenarios that connectivism could help in an educational setting.

There is significant debate as to whether or not connectivism is a stand alone learning theory. While the data does not fully support connectivism as separate and distinct learning theory, there is considerable support for it a a learning phenomenon. The author of the article emphasizes the connected world in which we live has evolved, and therefore, has influenced the manner in which people learn.

From the development of the internet to present day, using technology for informational purposes and learning development continues to grow and become more common. Connectivism supports the theories that learning occurs as a more intrapersonal experience and occurs while the learning creates information and deeper understandings. This resources presents the development of technology as a cause for a new view of learning and education.

This article goes over the basic understanding of what a PLN is, and how to get one. Basically, it explains that a PLN is not something that one can acquire, but rather a person has to build that PLN based around the needs. It gives some steps for an educator, or anyone looking to network, to follow in order to begin setting up the accounts needed to create their PLN.

This seems like a really helpful resource for getting started with a PLN. Though it does make it clear that there is effort required.

Before you can research PLNs, you need to know what a Personal Learning Network is. This article explains PLNs in an easy to understand format, while also giving rationale for why PLNs are needed to develop well-rounded, 21st century educators. Personal Learning Networks go beyond traditional Professional Development offered by schools and school districts. Instead, they are a way to change educators' mindsets on collaboration and digital literacy.

This article on the Edutopia website describes what a PLN is and how to go about getting one. The author explains that a PLN will use social media to "collect, communicate, collaborate and create with connected colleagues anywhere at any time." Some barriers to gaining a PLN are also discussed but for the most part you will gain insight on what a PLN can do for your professional growth.

Thanks for this resource Patricia! I will definitely keep some of these tips in mind when I gather people for my PLN for our assignment in this module!

This is a good introductory look at what a PLN is. By reading their post and connecting other to it the author of this blog has just become a member or our PLN. I also enjoyed the nod to commoncraft one of my all time favorite resources to get people started.

I really enjoyed this article, especially The Networked Student video. I thought it was particularly important that the video stated that in order for the student to make meaningful connections, they had to practice validating and evaluating sites to see which ones would be most valuable in their research.

I enjoyed your article on "PLN: Your Personal Learning Network Made Easy." I never thought of of a PLN originally as our "family and friends, maybe other educators you worked with." This could really help newer teachers embracing technology "wrap their heads around what is happening" and how it really hasn't changed, just looks different.

A good article on what type of people and tools can constitute a PLN.  It gives some good examples and provides some great tools that could be included in anyone's PLN.  It embeds a youtube video in it that enhances my understanding of a PLN.  It also helps me to differentiate between a PLN and a CoP.

In this blog, educator Kate Klingensmith describes what a PLN is in general and also describes specific reasons why one can be useful to an educator. She also provides examples of how educators can use PLNs in beneficial ways.

Another great PLN blog. Also has great information on Web 2.0. There is a plethora of information on this site for online learning. Def. a great read.

I love the simple breakdown of the PLN on this site! I also really appreciate the table at the bottom that includes some great resources for getting the PLN started. This looks like a great blog! Thanks for sharing!

Before taking this class, I have never heard of a PLN, but as I read more about it, its amazing to see how many PLNs we are involved with. They definitely have an effect on how we learn and exchange information.

I like this resource because it comes directly "from the source," Etienne Wenger, who came up with the terminology and brought the concept more into the forefront in education. The clear definition and examples of what a CoP looks like are also beneficial in reviewing the theory behind the concept. I also appreciate the background information Dr. Wenger provides in this resource, as it helps the reader to understand how communities of practice originated.

I posted a link to another publication by Wenger, but found this resource to be more succinct in the discussion of CoPs. As a new student in education, this summary is especially helpful when attempting to understand the "theory behind the concept".