What is it? PLN stands for Professional Learning Network. Teachers from all over the world can use technology, such as Twitter, to connect with one another, share experiences, ask questions, get suggestions, and learn from each other. Being able to communicate and build relationships with professionals all over the world allows teachers to become even better at what they do. When this happens, students will be directly impacted, as teachers will be implementing new ideas that they have gained from their PLN. In addition, teachers can grow professionally through attending conferences and events that are specifically designed to help them learn, uniting local educators and providing them with useful knowledge and stimulating encouragement. Whether through online sources or in person, developing a PLN is a must for all teachers.
How will a PLN help me in the future? Having a PLN, and particularly developing an online presence, can provide me with additional job opportunities. Once a job is secured and I have a classroom of my own, I am sure that I will use Twitter to ask other professionals for advice on a topic, gain tools to use in a particular lesson, or even find ideas for decorating my classroom. No matter how many years of experience teachers have, they should always be learning. Because of my PLN, my growth as an educator will not stop when I am finished with college. Instead, I will continue to develop and become the best teacher that I can be, which will in turn allow me to have the biggest impact on my students.
Twitter, (2018). www.twitter.com. Retrieved 29, April 2018 from https://twitter.com/jnmcconnell