Professional Learning Network (PLN)

PLNs

A Professional Learning Netwrok (PLN) is a group of people and resources that you connect with to learn and grow. It can be made up of friends, colleagues, mentors, online communities, and other resources that you find valuable. PLNs are important becuase they help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in your field, learn new skills, and get feedback on your work. They can also provide you with support and motivation.

Image Source: @sylviaduckworth

BENEFITS

Some of the many benefits of a PLN include access, opportunities, and support. Your PLN can include people from all over the world with different backgrounds and perspective. This gives you access to a wider range of knowledge and expertise than you could get on your own. PLNs are also a great way to connect with people who are working on similar things as you. You can collaborate on projects, share ideas, and learn from each other's experiences. Your PLN can provide you with support and motivation as you work towards your goals. You can turn to your PLN members for advice, feedback, and encouragement.

X/TWITTER

Click HERE to follow me on X/Twitter. @prdrinan

Image Source: personal photo

I have had a X/Twitter account for a number of years, but have rarely used it. I went to a week long Google Conference years ago and Twitter was used as the main form of communication so I created a profile, but since then it has esentially sat dormant. So when this assignment was posted I was a little nervous, but also a little excited. Would I remember my password? Could I keep up with the pace of a "Twitter Chat?" What even is a "Twitter Chat?" Could I find some useful reources?

Since it had been so long since I had used X/Twitter I needed to reaquaint myself with the platform. I was pleasantly surprised to see how much I remembered and how easy it was to navigate. I updated my profile picture, background, info and then got to work on finding some people and organizations to follow. At first, I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of resources that are available, but as I continued to explore I found some really great resources. For example, I found this "Sets Search" activity:

Image Source: @texasmathteacher

This "word search" is actually entirely made up of different number sets, like evens less than 20, odds greater than 5, factors of 12, etc. What a great and unique way to talk about number sets! I can't wait to use this in my Algebra classes!

X/TWITTER CHAT

Finding a Twitter Chat to participate in was a bit challengning, but I was able to take part in a #wiredwednesday on September 27, 2023. The topic was Reflection and Goal Setting for Students. At first I had a hard time keeping up with all of the posts and who posted what. The posts come in very quickly and at the same time, but luckily there were only about 10 of us participating so I was able to keep up. It also took me a minute to fully understand the ettiquette involve, i.e. reposting the question to which I was responding. I didn't do this the first time, but did on my subsequent answers.

Image Source: Personal Photo

Overall I thought the Twitter Chat was a positive experience. I enjoyed getting to "talk" with educators around the globe about our craft in a very supportive environment. It is definitely something that I will do again in the future.