Journal 6

Journal 6: “Grow Your Personal Learning Network” (NETS 2, 3, 4&5)

Warlick, David Grow Your Own Personal Learning Network (March/April 2009) Learning and Leading with Technology. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-march-april-2009.aspx

Summary: This article was written to encourage educators to keep up with technology and the students of the technological age that they are growing up in. PLN’s is something that we have been doing all of our life, we are just using different types of technology to do the work for us now. Using technology such as twitter, blogging, wikis & our cell phones expands our learning network that were not available to us before the world of technology.

Q1. What is your suggestion for people who have a fear of computers because they are technologically challenged?

A1. You definitely need to keep it simple as it can quickly become overwhelming. There needs to be a distinction between personal and work PLN’s and the time spent with on each one needs to be limited as time flies in the world of computers. Organization will be a huge to success. Remember, this is the same thing you have been doing for years, it’s just now you are using your computer and the multitude of information it now at a whole new level.

Q2. How do I determine what PLN will work best for me?

A2. As with any new technology program, only time will tell. Take your time and investigate one or two at time until you find a couple that you like. The key is to start out simple and slow and build on your skills as you become more comfortable. This is a self-paced learning environment and remember you only get out of it what you put into it.