When facing a difficult situation or adversity one must begin a process of determining what course of action will change the circumstances and remove the hardship. The question I often ask myself is "Where to turn?" . For help, advice, encouragement, or support, we all need some assistance when faced with challenges, particularly in the field of education.
So where can you go to quickly find the aid that will enable you to remain resilient in your efforts to improve and learn? In three simple letters, PLN. Here you can find the help, relief, and encouragement you might desperately need and it is right at your fingertips. Being linked and networked in a Learning Community across the world affords you an opportunity to be exposed to numerous ideas, concepts, and guidance.
More than just a network of friends and colleagues, a PLN can provide the following for you;
A Staff for support - When reinforcement can validate you ideas!
A Compass for direction - When guidance can align your outcomes and objectives!
A Flashlight for illuminating ideas - When your creativity seems nonexistent!
A First Aid Kit for wounds - When opposition attempts to wipe out enthusiasm!
A Map to help get you "There" - When another's experience can route you to success!
I wish I could mention and showcase ALL those who have assisted me in these ways, but time and space will not permit. I can say that my PLN has proved to be the most valuable resource for personal learning, assistance, and motivation, and Twitter is the most valuable tool. From participation in #edchat, to asking advice/opinions, to viewing displays of work, Twitter brings so many together for a common goal - Improvement!
So, to each and everyone of you who have contributed to my improvement and challenged me in my education, for your willingness to collaborate and for all the resources that you have shared, I say Thank You! You are the ones I turn to
What a great way to show the power of networking! Nicely done.. and I'm glad you're a part of my network, too!
ReplyDeleteVery well put Rob. I have learned so much from my PLN and in addition to this I have been given a great amount of support when I am trying new ideas or am struggling. Thank you for sharing your experience with PLN's a,d thank you for being part of mine.
ReplyDeleteYes, thanks so much for being a valued member of my PLN!
ReplyDeleteI think twitter is the best Pro-D I have ever done. It's a learning session that I can turn on or turn to any time I need it. My blog is a close second.
As a teacher I learned more from teachers in Argentina (@fceblog), Thailand (@mscofino - now in Japan), and from Manitoba, Canada (@glassbeed) than I learned from a great teacher that taught across the hall from me for 7 years, (I do think we need to work on sharing better in our own buildings).
My one struggle is that I find twitter a very hard entry point for those new to building a PLN. What strategies or tools do you use or suggest to help get people 'plugged in' to a PLN?