Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6: REVIEW 

Before getting started, what is a PLN? A PLN is a personal learning network; it makes you and I more connected to people through the internet, whether it be through social media, websites, emails, blogs, or podcasts. Now, in this day and age, everyone has social media at just a click of a button. But were we ever trained on how to use it effectively? Are we more worried about the amount of followers we have than who we should and shouldn't be following? Will these connections teach us valuable lessons, and how can we build from them? The Connected Educator Chapter 6 discusses and covers these questions to teach you how to have virtual networks. 

When thinking about networks, many of us think about Instagram or X (formerly Twitter). They're great stepping stones on personal learning networks; however, how we manage and build them determines the types of connections we get. How do I start? How can I attract the right people? According to Nussbaum-Beach, tips for getting started online include:

• Establish a consistent username for all networks to manage your identity and reputation easily.
• Finding a mentor.
• Selecting your connections based on people you trust.

By doing this, we often put ourselves a great deal of attention and importance; we need to make more conscious decisions on how we want others to view us and how we treat people wisely if they fit our learning goals. Social bookmarking can also help us when building a network around content. 

All these concepts are tremendous, yet we still need to grow our network by conversing with people professionally. An example of this is in The Connected Educator: Karl Fisch. An educator, who would be teaching algebra and turned to his PLN as he planned lessons and assessments. "The first post where he shared his intent to crowdsource his planning garnered twenty-two comments. The post that followed Karl's personal learning network responded to his request for ideas on assessments, parent communication, writing, and expectations (Nussbaum-Beach, p. 95). The amount of network connections you should have varies depending on what you are looking for; the goal is to achieve a professional networking platform. 

Taking a step outside of PLN, the chapter also discusses a connected learning community, a group of people who work together to exchange knowledge and organize activities. Often, these places are learning centers where a main person initiates the partnership. They're essential in increasing students' learning opportunities, showing the boundaries between a classroom and community, and exploring social identities, language, equity, and cultures. It offers professional growth, opportunities, and resources. 

In my future career as a healthcare professional, all this information allows me to stay up to date with the most current news in the medical field, either by technology, medicine, continuing education, and many more. Choosing the right networks can provide insights to overcome challenges and develop leadership skills. It allows me to explore different cultures and understand other's viewpoints to help my patients better. 

Works Cited

Nussbaum-Beach, Sheryl, and Lani Ritter Hall. The Connected Educator: Learning and Leading in a Digital Age, Solution Tree Press, Bloomington, IN, 2012, pp. 91–108.