Journal#6- "Grow Your Personal Learning Network"

Warlick, D. (March/April 2009). Grow Your Personal Learning Network. Learning & Leading, 36, Retrieved April 13, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/Current_Issue/L_L_March_April.htm

David Warlick's article "Grow Your Personal Learning Network" is all about the PLN's, or personal learning networks. PLN's are a wide-ranging variety of tools such as Twittern, Skpe, Facebook iChat, etc. As Warlick describes, there are three types of PLN's. The first ones are your personally maintained synchronous connections where you interact with people on devices such as iChat. Warlick says that this is the "network that includes the people and places you consult to answer questions, solve problems and accomplish goals." The second type of PLN is a semisynchronous connection where conversations do not have to occur in real-time. Tools for this include wikis and google docs, amongst others. This type of PLN is desirable for when schedules differ and you would like to connect with people on your own time. The third type of PLN are dynamically maintained asynchronous connections. This type of PLN connects you to sources rather than other people. A great example that Warlick uses for this type of PLN is the RSS aggregator. Thee RSS brings YOU the information based on what you already subscribe too and what you show interest in. It is great because it saves you time from searching on your own, the information is compiled based on your needs and brought directly to you.

Q1: What kind of benefits are there to the RSS aggregator?
A1: RSS aggregators are great for compiling information that YOU want into one place without having to do multiple searches. It is a great tool for educators and can save lots of time!

Q2: What is one of the best ways to "Keep It Simple" when using PLN's?
A2: Keep organized folders in the RSS Aggregator's based on how often you are referring too and using them.