PLN Ponderings

While I work to grow my PLN, I continue to reflect on its meaning, purpose, and value. Who does it include?
What role does this network play? This network is my team of supportive innovators who will encourage
me to ask questions, solve problems, and keep learning- exactly what I strive to do as an educator.

Please do visit Camille's PLN all in one place, a tasty Padlet experience.

"We do not learn from experience...we learn from reflecting on experience." -John Dewey

I delight in an opportunity to reflect on what is happening, to really break things down (either over a leisurely meal and beverages with friends or solo with space to pace, a sharp pencil, and plenty of fresh paper). I am grateful that this week's assignment was to dedicate time to focused reflection. In the last 6 weeks, we have delved into Personal Learning Networks- what they are, why they are valuable, how to consciously and intentionally grow ours.

The above word flower includes words I associate with my PLN. What I find intriguing is that the definition of and value of developing a PLN were introduced to me in the context of educational technology while pursuing this degree. However, when I brainstormed all of the words and ideas that I associate with my PLN, none of the words were inherently tech-y. All of the words describe the community, the activities, the attributes of the members of this PLN, but they are not tech-y words. Yes, use of tech tools facilitates the process of collaborating, sharing, and communicating. The results of investing in and growing from your PLN, inspiration, support, and empowerment to be our best, make change, and keep learning, are not high-tech at all.