Journal 6

Grow Your Personal Learning Network
David Warlick

Warlick, D (March/April 2009). Grow your personal learning network. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36, Retrieved March 13,2009, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200904/


In summary, author David Warlick’s article introduces and encourages all computer users to expand their traditional thoughts, as it relates to their Personal Learning Network (PLN.) As noted PLN is not a new concept. For many years we have learned from many sources; Family, community, television, newspapers. With the continual development of the Web, our options for PLN expands tremendously. Warlick strongly suggests educators to familiarize themselves and make use of the various blogs, Skype, Google Talk and wikis, just to mention a few. There are three main types of PLN.

Personally maintained synchronous connections which includes traditional means such as people and places you would look for information. This also includes direct chat on line and Twitter.

Personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections are very similar to the former, however it is not particularly real time. By making use of discussion boards, comment walls and blogging.

Dynamically maintained asynchronous connections is the third type of PLN. This avenue connects us with content on a particular topic. The primary tool is the RSS aggregator. By indentifying a particular topic of interest, the educator is able to subscribe to an RSS feed from a bookmarked website or search site and the feed will update when new information, blogs, and such have been made.

By developing a wider PLN based in the Web, teachers are more able to collect information on a topic, keeping updated by RSS aggregator feed. This is very impactful in saving time and gathering current and worldwide information.

Why is a web based PLN important in education?

Teachers have a finite amount of time, as well as a personal interpretation to knowledge. By using the RSS aggregator tool, they are able to collect many views and updated material from a worldwide base in a fraction of the time. This allows the students to benefit from a wider and updated source.

Is there a downside to PLN?

Absolutely. As Warlick points out, it is human nature to align ourselves with those who think as we do. It is necessary to collect information that challenges our own views to better teach in an unbiased way.