When I was young, my mother told me, “Show me your friends and I’ll tell you what you are.” Little did she realize that my network of “friends” would one day extend across the world. When I step back and see the personal learning networks I participate in, by my mom’s definition, I am a teacher. In the twenty-first century, personal learning networks (PLNs) are pivotal in a teacher’s ability to keep up with changes in their profession including teaching methodology, emerging resources, changing regulatory requirements, and evolving students. Fortunately, PLNs are ubiquitous, and the variety of choices can cover most of the bases of informal continuing education. Torrey Trust defines a PLN as a “system of interpersonal connections and resources that affect informal learning (Trust, 2012). They are an anytime anywhere resource that can be tapped on a variety of questions.
This year I will be expanding my friends group to include three more PLNs. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) which covers how to utilize technology in teaching. The blog posts and comments are a great way to keep up with the latest news in educational technology. I am interested in taking the certification course. This type of training is invaluable, and the certificate will serve to validate my knowledge. I will be subscribing to HotLunchTray.Com where I can keep up on the latest trends and evidence-based teaching. The blog posts will expand on my knowledge of education and technology as well. This site can connect me with resources to enhance my courses. Finally, since I have taught in the area of Emergency Medical Services for over thirty years, I am looking forward to renewing my membership with the National Association of EMS Educators. This organization seeks to improve the professionalism of EMS instructors and emphasizes continuing education for educators in the field. They also offer a certification course which can enhance my credentials. Phew! Well, you can’t have too many friends but it’s nice to know my new PLNs will have my back as a strive for excellence in my profession.
Resources:
Hotlunchtray.com
Iste.org
Naemse.org
Gladwell, M. (2008). Outliers : the story of success. New York: Little, Brown and Company. 38-44
References:
Trust, T., Krutka, D.G., and Carpenter, J.P. (2016) Together we are better: Professional learning networks for teachers, Computers & Education. 102 15-34 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2016.06.007.