Personal Learning Network (PLN)
Why are professional learning networks (PLNs) significant to learning in the digital age? That is a humorous question; it feels like a circle. As instructional designers, we aim to create unique online learning experiences for our learners; we can't just pull facts and experiences out of the air, as magical as I like to pretend I am. I am a person who makes digital media for social networks and beyond, which means I use several online platforms daily; it seems odd to imagine a place where this isn't talked about or where else to get information. I can't remember the last time I touched an encyclopedia hardbond book. The question is, why are they significant in our learning environment? Regardless of what they are, our careers require best practice and ongoing professional learning (Oddone, & et al., 2019). Sometimes, we must face responsibility for that on our own. Due to the nature of our careers, we must accept that to be the best at what we do, we must keep pace with the industry online. Which requires having a personal learning network (PLN) to build knowledge and keep up with technological advancements, learning advancements, engagement techniques, and beyond. This sounds like a lot of work. Some benefits to having PLNs can be the informal setting instead of formal office settings or requirements, let alone connecting to people and information anytime and anywhere. (Oddone, & et al., 2019). Developing meaningful connectedness with people, ideas, information, and technologies provides the groundwork for our practice (Kennedy, 2018).
In general, social networks and digital items change daily in how they work, how they can be used, and even how they are displayed, which makes it essential to stay abreast of those changes; learning techniques work the same way. A strong PLN network requires discipline and active involvement to gain the most knowledge. I give myself a few minutes a day or week to learn about our industry. After all, don't we push for that as instructional designers for our learners to gain knowledge?
Click here to see an infographic I created on my top 5 PLN network.
References
Kennedy, J. (2018). Towards a model of connectedness in personal learning networks. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 16(1), 21–40.
Oddone, K., Hughes, H., & Lupton, M. (2019). Teachers as connected professionals: A model to support professional learning through personal learning networks. International Review of Research in Open & Distance Learning, 20(3), 102–120. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v20i4.4082