Personal Learning Networks and Personal Learning Environments are one of the things I find most exciting about web 2.0. It is now possible to learn continuously from the presenters and speakers that used to be available only at National Conferences. It is possible to connect and learn with educators who have identified a similar problem to solve, or who are working towards similar goals. It is possible to do all this on your own time preference.
A professional learning network consists of those people and resources we reach out to in order to learn. We have always had these networks: Mom/Grandma teaches us to cook; we take piano lessons from Sr. Rosita; we read the Quad City Times to find out why the police were parked down the street last week; we go to school to learn the basics of education. What has changed is the range of possibilities in the digital age.
What is a PLE?
A professional learning environment. University, conferences, classes, inservice: all of these qualify.
" What is a 21st century learning environment? The term “learning environment” suggests place and space – a school, a classroom, a library. And indeed, much 21st century learning takes place in physical locations like these. But in today's interconnected and technology-driven world, a learning environment can be virtual, online, remote; in other words, it doesn't have to be a place at all. Perhaps a better way to think of 21st century learning environments is as the support systems that organize the condition in which humans learn best – systems that accommodate the unique learning needs of every learner and support the positive human relationships needed for effective learning. Learning environments are the structures, tools, and communities that inspire students as educators to attain the knowledge and skills the 21st century demands of us all." Partnership for 21st Century Learning Skills. 21st Century Learning Environments.
Take time to view the video on the right of Bill Richardson talking about PLNs in the digital environment.
Now for a word from David Warlick...
Warlick, David. Personal Learning Networks — The Beginning
And Stephen Downes...
Downes, Stephen. Origins of the Term 'Personal Learning Network'
Read the following article for a summary:
Personal Learning Network