Personal Learning Networks PLN

Personal Learning Networks (PLNs)

PLNs is basically any type of communication that is online that allows the person to engage.  This contributes to learning different information that is meaningful and relevant to learning.
According to Brian Metcalfe he believes that “My Personal Learning Network is the key to keeping me up-to-date with all the changes that are happening in education and how technology can best support and engage today’s students.” http://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/how-to-create-a-robust-and-meaningful-personal-learning-network-pln/

Even Pinterest is a source of PLN because the user can create their own content based what they would like to know more information on.    This allows the user to learn at their own pace 24/7.
http://www.pinterest.com/esheninger/personal-learning-networks/

PLNs allows a person to be able to
"1) set their own learning goals 2) manage their learning; managing both content and process               3) communicate with others in the process of learning and thereby achieve learning goals
Simply put: A PLN is a system for lifelong learning.”
Educators can use PLNs for  Professional development – learn from content-area specialists
- Locate resources for your classroom, such as free websites and software
- Get lesson plan ideas from master teachers
- Learn about new technology and how to integrate it into your teaching
- Find collaborative solutions
- Find interesting links to education news
Educators can participate in different sources of PLN by getting involved in Professional Profiles, Wikis, Blogs, RSS Reader/News Aggregators, Nings, Social Bookmarking, Webinars, Backchanneling of conferences.
http://www.edudemic.com/build-personal-learning-network/