Journal 6: Grow Your Personal Learning Network (NETS-T -IV & V)

Warlick, D. (2009). Grow your personal learning network. Learning and Leading with Techonology, 36(6), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200904?pg=14&pm=2&fs=1#pg1

In this article, Warlick discuss the developing change in the ways in which we view and manipulate our personal learning networks (PLN).  He captures this evolution by beautifully stating, "technology has created a shift from a hunting-and-gathering information economy to the domestication of the information landscape."  This transition has transformed the way we search for information and has opened the repertoire of resources.  It has torn down the traditional barriers of geography and has replaced these barriers with virtual realms, conversations, and semisynchronous connections... as you sit in the luxury of your own home, office, or coffee shop.  In turn, by creating a PNL in one's virtual realm, he may seek out, hone in on, and potentially train information to organize itself and deliver itself to you!  Seeking knowledge, resources, and ideas has just become a little more tangible... you just have to learn how to create your own PNL. 


Warlick describes 3 main types of PLNs:

1. personally maintained synchronous connections: the people and places you consult to answer your questions, solve problems, and accomplish goals
2. personally and socially maintained semisynchronous connections: a question, comment, or statement sent out through a community of people who are linked together due to their collective interests, professions, and expertise
3. dynamically maintained asynchronous connections: connection to a content source; training information to organize and deliver itself to you


Warlick discusses a potential weakness.  What is it and do you agree/ disagree?

The potential weakness Warlick discussed is that often when creating a PNL we frequently predisposed
toward sources that reflect our own opinions and worldviews.
Yes, I agree that this is a potential weakness of PNL networks.  I was very pleased to see this point by Warlick.  PNLs are new to me and this potential weakness did not cross my mind.  PNLs can be used to benefit the individual, but we must remember to constantly challenge our views and demand critical and analytical thought from ourselves.  By cultivating well-rounded networks we tackle new ideas and broaden our own horizons, knowledge, and tolerance.  In addition, we are educators and challenging our students to think for themselves and think critically is imperative.
therefore we must strive to cultivate networks that constantly challenge our views and demand critical and analytical thought.

Warlick gives 10 tips for creating, cultivating, and pruning your PNL.  What are 4 of them?
#2 Organize your subscriptions by topic or job function

#6 If you are teaching a unit, find sources that will help you prepare for it and subscribe to them.  When you are learned what you need, sever the lines.

#8 Invest some time, but don't fret that it will take up all your time.  According to David Jakes it takes only 15 minutes a day to learn something.

#9 You do not have to subscribe to a dozens of educators blogs' to learn about Voice Thread.  Instead, conduct a Google Blog Search for voicethread and subscribe to that search's RSS feed.