According to this blog, a PLN can be a Personal Learning Network and is a way of describing the group of people you connect with to learn their ideas, questions, reflections, and references. You choose who is included in your network, it connects others, and is focused on learning. A PLN can also be a Professional Learning Network and is described here as a network of professionals with whom you share knowledge and from whom you gain knowledge.
PLNs can be of value to anyone and are not tied to one area of expertise or profession; they benefit those new to their professions and those more tenured in their fields. They keep us fresh on ideas and keep us engaged in our fields. Our individual knowledge is not nearly as powerful as collective knowledge within a network. In this time of evolving technology, many readily consult social media networks on personal matters like "What doctor should I visit for this ailment?" or "Is it normal when my child does this?" So it is natural and obvious for us to utilize this powerful tool on professional topics.
I am the Laboratory State Training Coordinator for Idaho and a member of a great PLN, as encouraged by a partner agency, The Association for Public Health Laboratories. They utilize a few applications of PLNs including a SharePoint site where we can share documents, ideas, and calendar items with each other, regular conference calls to maintain contact and discuss topics of interest, monthly electronic newsletters, and a face to face conference every two years. My involvement has helped me build a PLN without even knowing it where I see the benefits on a weekly basis. If I have a question, I can easily contact other state training coordinators and tap into their expertise.
After reading more about PLNs, however, I have realized that there is more I can do. I can take a more active role in participating in this group and sharing ideas, but I can also further develop my PLN with other organizations and interests of mine. This will allow me to be better informed in my field and serve my organization more effectively. How do you build your PLN?
Your PLN you describe sounds very helpful for you profession. How often do you check in for information? Some people on Facebook are constantly posting and commenting on other people’s posts are you checking in to your PLN frequently? If you only go to the PLN for new ideas or help with certain topics who is responsible for having what you need on there? That is why I agree with you that for PLN’s to thrive all that are in the PLN must do their part to ensure information is shared and available.
ReplyDeleteIt's actually a great network in that we have three regional training advocates who work part time to make sure that our SharePoint site is relevant to our needs. In addition, they maintain monthly contact with each of the state training coordinators over phone and/or email. This is a great nudge for those of us who may not take the time to regularly check out the resources available within the network.
DeleteWendy,
ReplyDeleteViewing your blog makes me think that you have some experience with this. lol. I am excited to learn more about PLNs and before this course, I wasn't even aware of them. I think that this would be extremely beneficial in the Federal Government sector and I hope to learn more about it so I can introduce it to my group at the Idaho National Laboratory.
I maintained a family blog for a while when I had just one child and was not working full time, but I have not added new posts for close to four years. This blog may remind me of the value and I might post to my family blog again!
DeleteUse of a PLN is especially useful in government employment because I think we have a tendency to reinvent the wheel. If we strengthen relationships with our counterparts in other states, I think we can save a lot of time and create a better product.