Start Developing Your Own Personal Learning Network (PLN)

Where I started

I am not an expert, in fact, I am new to the online world of connected educators.  What I can tell you is that in the three short months from when I began my journey, becoming a connected educator has transformed me, and I will never go back. 

Before becoming a connected educator, trying  to find a new resource, app, or tool was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Honestly, I usually started with a Google search. Consequently, I would spend hours filtering, curating, and trying out sites or lesson plans.  Though I found a few gems along the way, it was tedious and time-consuming.  

Have you been there? I have found a better way. Start developing a personal learning network (PLN). 

Get Connected with Twitter

Try Twitter. No seriously, try it. I was terrified, so I went to a friend who had a Twitter account to help me get started. I love it when there is someone who can help. So if you have a friend who uses Twitter ask him or her to walk you through it.

Also, I highly recommend Alice Keeler’s Blogpost, “Twitter for Educators -A Document.” It explains the importance of Twitter for educators, tips for how to use it, and even how to set it up. 

Learn from the best blogs

There are incredible educational websites and blogs that support educators. One great place to start looking for blogs to follow is Teach 100.  This site ranks the top 100 educational blogs. Commit to reading a few at a time and follow the blogs that make sense for you. Your favorites may not be in the top 10, so keep trying. 

Three  of my favorites:

Alice Keeler: Teacher Tech

Jen Roberts: Tech and Lit

Caitlin Tucker: Blended Learning and Technology in the Classroom

Get to know other connected educators

I had the privilege of recently interviewing Jackie Smith, a connected educator from Fresno, CA. She is a presenter for the San Joaquin Valley Writing Project, an English teacher for University High School, and is a Certified Graphite Educator.

Chatting with Jackie about education inspired me to step out of my comfort zone as an educator. Jackie is passionate about sharing. Sharing about her students, about writing, and about education. Here is our interview via Google Chat below:

Follow her on Twitter @Jaclynsmith345, and check out the Yosemite Conference by California Association of Teachers of English that she is planning in beautiful Yosemite, CA.

All the advice, from the experts and myself can be boiled down to this: 

• Jump in!
• Get started!

If I can do it, then so can you. 

What are your favorite tips for growing your PLN?