I truly believe a true professional is one who is continually striving to learn and grow in order to be the best they can be. Other people are a great resource to help us continue our learning. Sharing ideas, thoughts and feelings, learning about new ideas and becoming inspired and reflecting on experiences can all be achieved through the creation of a personal learning network (PLN). A PLN is able to contribute immensely to everyday learning, which is ultimately what I hope to achieve through the use of my blog.
A PLN may be defined as a group of people with whom you engage and exchange information with, often online. Andrew Carnegie says it well in his quote; “teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” Using a team of people to grow as a professional can produce exceptional results. Finding and sharing information is literally at our fingertips.
Incorporating ICT within the classroom has proven to be challenging for teachers. A PLN provides teachers with access to ICT specialists, new resources for the classroom, lesson plan ideas from highly regarded teachers, information about new technology, ideas about how to integrate it into the classroom and interesting links to education news. The prospects are endless.
Essentially, it is extensive amounts of information provided by a large number of people, jointly identifying the most practical, relevant and valuable pieces. Wouldn’t we be crazy to shy away from this amazing resource?
My ultimate goal is to extend my own, as well as other people’s, learning and professional growth opportunities through the use of this blog.
If you haven’t already, I strongly advise you to join Twitter, start building your own amazing PLN and be prepared to be inspired!
To get started, take a look at these YouTube videos.
The Benefits Of Twitter For Teachers & How To Join:
What To Post Once You Have Joined Twitter:
Now you can follow me (@ashleyazzopardi) and take a look at who I am following to get you started.
If you have any questions, I will be more than happy to help.
Happy tweeting!
References
Klingensmith, K. (2010). PLN: Your Personal Learning Network Made Easy. Retrieved 25 March, 2011, from http://onceateacher.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/pln-your-personal-learning-network-made-easy/
Miller, I. (2011). Teamwork Quotes. Retrieved 25 March, 2011, from http://www.tips4teamwork.com/teamwork-quotes.htm
Cute page – good luck with it all. You might want to update the spelling of the word becoming in your intro on the right hand side under your photo – it is not a good look if a prospective Primary Teacher cannot spell!
Thank you and thanks for pointing that out, I hate spelling errors!
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