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The study in the paper was interesting as it looked at K-12 educators and their use of Twitter to research, relate and form PLNs. Twitter and other social medias have allowed teachers to form networks that are specific to their needs and wants in terms of their own professional growth. In the "End of Isolation" the researchers findings touched on the fact that "over 82% of the time, the educators in this study chose to follow other educators or content experts related to their field of teaching so they were able to create a personal learning network meaningful to their professional needs." Now I just need to work with teachers at my school site to help them realize the individualized professional potential!

This study underscored the benefits of Twitter for the educational community. The article shared the advantages to new teachers in particular, where one participant stated it changed her vision and practice in the classroom. Very powerful!

Of all the resources I have read thus far on PLNs, this particular article forced me to think deeper and reconsider my interpretation of this concept. First of all, I found that the article provided a picture of the quality of interaction that can occur within Twitter. The data collected by researchers provides an in depth look at Twitter as a PLN - a feat that few other resources I have read have accomplished. By detailing the amount, quality, and type of interactions and connections, a tangible conception of a PLN emerges, even for someone who has little to no experience with Twitter. Of the 10 surveyed, a majority of their connections and tweets were professionally related. According to Nussbaum-Beach (video I posted), the difference between a PLN and a CoP is the familiarity of the people and the connection to an idea or problem. However, this study provides a different perception of a PLN that is largely professionally based with strong two-way connections. These conclusions made me wonder if it is possible for facets of a PLN on Twitter to transform into a CoP. Further, at what point can one argue that a PLN has successfully transform into a virtual CoP? Thanks for sharing. This was an excellent read!

A combination of PLN and connectivism that shows why we need this more than ever in education.

This is great. I really like the video format and how Johnson brought all of his ideas together and is really talking about connectivism. He never said the word, but he's talking about connectivity and innovation. He's talking about PLNs and CoPs. The video was very helpful

There is an office space in Fayetteville that I feel is built around this premise. The space is set up to facilitate connections and foster innovation. http://www.fayettevilleflyer.com/2012/01/24/the-iceberg-the-stage-is-set/

Two patterns have emerged in E-Learning - connection with people and connection with resources. The article includes descriptions on how self directed learning, the need for intrinsic motivation, and critical literacies all present challenges to a connectivist learning theory. When designing and teaching a course built around connected learning rather than a more traditional route special attention needs to be given to build in opportunities for students to interact with one another.

This article explains the differences between behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism. The author makes the argument that behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism all have limitations to learning in the digital world. The author argues that connectivism is a beneficial learning model, especially in the digital era.

his article points out how the rapid increase of technology in our lives is changing how we need to educate. A few areas it points to in supporting this argument is the trend that knowledge is often not following a linear path, how the half life of knowledge is becoming shorter and shorter and how the capacity to learn more outweighs the amount of knowledge currently known. Connectivism becomes important when facing these challenges because it allows us to have access to a much broader range of knowledge than we would otherwise. Often times in our world today the collective knowledge of many individuals is more valuable than the sole knowledge of a single expert.

This article goes over the differences between connectivism, cognitivism and behaviorism. Society is changing and how we interact with people has changed.

This video provides the importance and opportunity of connecting using social networking and building up educators through connecting with each other. There are many examples of how being connected has worked for different teachers.

Educators have always been connected and new tools help them get connected easier to other knowledge sources. Like the interviewed people say in the video, how do we know that we are doing well if we are not connected and get feedback? I completely agree with the idea of the need of being connected to students, colleagues, parents, community...to be a 21st century educator.

In this article, Kamakshi Rajagopal,Desirée Joosten-ten Brinke, Dr. Jan Van Bruggen, and Dr. Peter B. Sloep identify nine factors that influence the creation and maintenance of personal learning networks. I found a number of these to be important on how and why people develop PLN's including the ability to learn and collaborate.

The model really brought a new light to PLN's for me. Once I looked at it closely it made complete sense, it was simply a case of putting a face with a name. Thanks for sharing!

This source focuses on connectivity and what it means for learners. It touches on the idea that we now need to teach students to make connections instead of assuming that they understand how to make them already. It also talks a little bit about how making connections help people learn in different ways and learn how to access new information.

The link given above doesn't work as it is. It has an extra quote at the end. You may want to remove it. Connectivism is presented in this articles as an alternative to traditional learning theories such as behaviorism and constructivism. I found it valuable to refresh my memory regarding different learning theories and their limitations. It was valuable to take a deep look at connectivism and the explanation related to how it could be the learning theory of present day digital age.

Professional learning can be observed through online interactions. People are expanding their professional knowledge by voluntarily participating in online spaces.

This source addresses personal learning networks and connected learning environments. It describes connected learning as important because information is so widespread and accessible, and learning is now happening flexibly. The source also discusses connectivity and communities of practice.

This article discusses the idea of connected learning and its benefits. It discusses how the learner can be at the center of their learning. Although this article focuses of incorporating connected learning to teaching practices, it can also be applied to gain a better understanding of forming personal learning networks to enhance ones professional growth.

I love the term "connected learning." I can't imagine learning in isolation. I have to take what I am reading and share it out on Twitter, I want to get the interaction of others to enrich and enhance what I am learning. Learning systems is a good way to put it. You have a system in place that involves connecting with others.

There are four main aspects to a successful PLN: 1. Tools - depend on learners ability level but commonly include social media 2. Connection - groups of people with similar interests and goals. There is no boundary for location of group. 3. Delivery - can be through any method the learner prefers 4. Opportunity - with the development of technology, this can happen anywhere the learner has access.

This wiki site was one of the most simplest definitions displaying the elements of a PLN: tools, connections, delivery, and opportunity. Tools allow the learner to use what is most familiar, connections provide the ability to build relationships with others, delivery includes how information is disseminated, and opportunity is when the learner has the time to practice.

This is a great site for someone new to PLNs. It provides a description of what makes up a PLN along with visuals. I also like the "growth" section of the wiki. In the first paragraph it discusses district PLCs. Many districts like to have vertical meetings, where all of the math teachers from elementary through the high school meet to see how their coursework aligns. These meetings are inconsistent because it is difficult to get all of the teachers out of class at the same time. Digital PLCs for vertical meetings would be a great way to allow for more constant collaboration.

Connectivism is a learning theory for the digital age. It is known as a mix between behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. Web 2.0 services are making it easier for people to produce their own information and ideas. Learners and teachers are attempting to integrate technology into all types of learning environments to accommodate 21st Century learning.

This site helps users create awesome timelines based off a Google Sheet template. The timelines can then be embedded on websites or linked for people to view.

Intuitive by design, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch also come with assistive features that allow people with disabilities to experience the fun and function of iOS. With these innovative technologies built right in, iOS devices become powerful and affordable assistive devices.

Great website for Civil War Units. There are maps, battle statistics, weapons, people, and slavery. Easy for students to use. Well-maintained and accurate.

For people who need quick access to maps and chart out locations instantly, no sign-in required.

A web-based word processesor that allows people to work together in real time, which is great for collaborative projects. Has a cool timeslider feature so you can watch your document as it changed over time which is great for teaching revision.

Historically, Luddites were people who fought against technology. The modern neo-Luddites have similar beliefs regarding the integration of technology in education.