Personal Learning Networks

A Personal Learning Network is an informal learning network in which participants interact and derive knowledge. In a PLN, connections are made with one another with a specific intent that some type of learning will occur. As educators, personal learning networks are something that naturally occur as we have common interest and goal in education. Though PLNs have existed in education for years, with the advancement of web 2.0 tools PLNs have also evolved. Traditionally, PLNs mostly occurred within schools and districts through discussion and collaboration with face-to-face interaction. Now PLNs occur in many different forms such as; facebook, blogs, twitter and wikis. This has allowed PLN's to expand beyond your immediate proximity, providing more diversified PLNs. A Personal Learning Network is an important aspect in keeping educators up-to-date and how best to engage today's students.
Uses of PLNs for Educators

• learn from content-area specialists
• locate resources for your classroom
• learn about new technology & how to integrate
• develop collaborative solutions
• find links to educational articles

Some Personal Learning Network Tools

Tool	Link	Functionality
Ning	http://www.ning.com/	Host collaborative communities.
Facebook	http://www.facebook.com/	Create your own page and connect with others.
Edublogs	http://edublogs.org/	Create and search for blogs to read.
SmartExchange	http://exchange.smarttech.com/	Find smart technology lesson plans and activities.
Classroom 2.0	http://www.classroom20.com/	21st century educational learning and networking.
Delicious	http://delicious.com/	Share webpage bookmarks.
Padlet	http://padlet.com/	Virtual chart paper for collaboration.

PLNs can be used in the classroom by students as well...
"The Networked Student"