EDU 776/LIS 724 Professional Learning Networks (PLN)

 


                                    Image Source: Photomorphic PTE Ltd


Whether it is mentoring, coaching, networking, or just picking someone's brain at lunchtime, being able to talk with someone about your professional development and improving your work performance is very important.  Picking the right mentor or coach and having targeted networking can really improve performance and development.  One thing that is essential, specifically with networking, is to target the right person to network with.  For example,  I plan on changing careers to work in a library or an archive.  I plan on targeting my networking to individuals in those fields since they can provide the best advice and guidance.  While I love baking, networking with a baker is not going to help with my career change.

Networking does not have to be limited to a one-on-one relationship.  Professional Learning Networks (PLN/PLNs) are communities of professionals that offer members broad networking opportunities.  A PLN has individuals from a specific field who are willing to share information and ideas as well as to be a sounding board for possible projects and a place to ask questions.  PLNs are digital with some PLNs having in-person events and training.  PLNs allow members the maximum opportunity to network without having to attend one event after another.  PLNs offer many advantages.  Trust (2012) states that PLNs offer members the opportunity for continuous learning, support, and motivation as well as a place to share new ideas (pp 137-138).

To find a PLN, the best place to start is with your colleagues.  Your colleagues may already be involved with a PLN and can offer their opinions on that PLN or maybe even other PLNs.  Ask your colleagues for their insight on the PLNs they are involved with and what they think about PLNs in general.  Once you have spoken with your colleagues, conduct an online search of PLNs in your field.  Start your search with a broad term and then narrow it down to a more specific area if required.  For example, you start with the general term of teaching and then narrow it down to school librarianship.  Keep in mind that some PLNs might have a fee for membership or a fee for training or services.

Once you have a PLN or PLNs that fits your needs, it is essential to participate.  The PLN is only as good as you make it or use it.  PLNs offer the opportunity to chat with, ask questions of, and bounce ideas off of others in your field.  Once you have found a good PLN, share it with your colleagues.


                                                        Image Source: Creator

I have looked at three PLNs that are in the field of education and school librarianship.  The first PLN is from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).  The AASL is a division of the American Library Association (ALA).  The AASL's PLN is labeled as communities of practice.  To get to this section from the AASL's home page, click on "member center" and then "communities of practice".  There are a number of groups ranging from technology to teacher collaboration.  The AASL website provides great information, and the communities of practice provide awesome resources.  The con of this site is that it does require being a member.

The second PLN is from the Chester County Immediate Unit (CCIU).  CCIU's website provides many tools and training for educators including librarians.  CCIU offers continuing education units, but these trainings do have a fee.  Under "teaching and learning services", there is a section on networking communities.  There is a PLN for librarians.  There are instructions on the site on how to join a PLN at no cost.

The third PLN is the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).  The NASSP has multiple PLNs listed under "community".  The PLNs offered have an excellent cross-section of topics that range from assistant principals to women in educational leadership.  The NASSP appears to provide many opportunities for PLNs and even the development of new PLNs.  However, like the AASL, you need to be a member to take advantage of any of the PLNs.

These PLNs are just three examples of what is available.  There are many of PLNs, especially in the education field, that are available.  Some PLNs are simply a blog where individuals discuss ideas and answer each other's questions to larger-scale PLN from bigger organizations.  Regardless of the PLN, each one can be helpful if it meets your needs.

References:

American Association of School Librarians website.  www.ala.org/aasl/.

Chester County Immediate Unit website.  pa5000545.schoolwires.net/domain/208.

National Association of Secondary School Principals.  www.nassp.org.

Trust, T. (2012).  "Professional Learning Networks Designed for Teacher Learning."  Journal of 

        of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, Vol. 28, 4, pp. 133-138.

Comments

  1. NMZumpanoOctober 9, 2023 at 11:47 AM

    Your infographic provides some great steps to getting started with a PLN.

    ReplyDelete

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