Personal Learning Networks

A lot has been said recently about the idea of Personal Learning Networks, or PLNs. Wikipedia has a good explanation here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_Learning_Networks

One of the key elements that the Powerful Learning Practice program (http://plpnetwork.com/) that several Lawrenceville teachers and administrators took part in was about the importance of and tools used in the creation of a PLN. We all had experiences where even our nascent PLN became a source of high quality information and guidance on a variety of subjects during this process.

It can be argued that PLNs are nothing new. 20 years ago, the depth and breadth of your Rolodex often indicated the strength of your PLN. Today's tools just make it easier to connect with colleagues and experts from around the world.

Now, Facebook is entering the PLN world by allowing you to ask questions of your friends, and friends of friends, through their new Questions tool: http://blog.facebook.com/blog.php?post=10150110059982131
Given the huge amount of time that our students (and teenagers in general) spend on Facebook, this might be a good way to have them develop PLNs.

However, for this to truly be useful, it means that adults, experts, educators, etc. need to be on Facebook and "visible" enough to be found in the questioning process.

-->Are there ways that you use a PLN in your work or for hobbies that could be transferred to how we educate students here?

Want to try a PLN or learn more? Educational technologist David Warlick has some good information and links on his site: http://davidwarlick.com/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.TheArtAmpTechniqueOfCultivatingYourPersonalLearningNetwork