Personal Learning Network

 Reflecting on my Personal Learning Network

When I think about how I learn about new developments and ideas in education, I realize that most of them come through connections I have made online. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, as well as blogs, are the places where I often find new teaching strategies, digital tools, and inspiration. For example, I follow accounts that share classroom management tips or lesson ideas, and often find them through recommendations from other teachers. As the Defining and Building a PLN chapter explains, a Personal Learning Network is about intentionally building connections that help you find answers and grow as an educator (Oklahoma State University). My PLN is a mix of resources that give me quick ideas for today and deeper learning for the long term.

 

I also learn a lot from podcasts because they allow me to listen while driving or walking, as I don't have time in the day to get everything done as much as I would like to sit down and read articles. Podcasts like Ignite Your Teaching give me time to reflect on effective teaching practices, technology integration, and leadership. I am lucky that I have a great group of teacher graduates who share great resources when they find them on Facebook. These resources not only keep me up to date with what is currently happening in the teaching world, but also push me to try new approaches or strategies in the classroom, especially when recommended by a colleague.  The article Nuts and Bolts: Building a PLN reminded me that a PLN is not just about consuming information; it is also about contributing and engaging with others (Bozarth, 2011).

 

When it comes to sharing my ideas, I mostly do this through conversations with colleagues, professional development days or by recommending resources I've tried. The Teacher Challenge resource emphasizes that PLNs work best when we are active participants (Edublogs,n.d). I have never shared my thoughts really besides in conversation, but this module and assignment are pushing me to start sharing on other platforms.

 

10 Resources

1. Ignite Your Teaching -Podcast

2. The EduGla ''s-Podcast

3. Class Tech Tips – Instagram

4. Behind the classroom - Blog

5. Sweet Firstie Fun – TikTok

6. Art Hub - YouTube

7. The Balanced Educator Podcast

8. Lisa Elaine – TikTok

9. Early Smiles Education – TikTok

10.  True Colours of Teaching

 

5 Connections that Most Excite Me

 

1. Ignite Your Teaching Podcast

Type: Podcast

Author: Patti Firth

Reason for adding: I was drawn to this podcast because it offers practical strategies and inspiring conversations about innovative teaching practices. The hosts share relatable classroom experiences and actionable ideas for educators of all levels. I often listen to podcasts on the way home, and this would be a great one to add to my rotation.

Professional Contribution: This podcast will help me continually refresh my instructional approaches and stay motivated in my practice. By hearing real stories and testing ideas from fellow educators, I can adapt creative solutions that suit my classroom context.

 

The EduGlas Podcast

2. Type: Podcast

Author: Rachel Johnson and Katie Atwell

Reason for adding: This podcast caught my attention because it focuses on educational technology, integration, pedagogy, and practical tips for teaching in the digital age, and this keeps me in the loop of new digital resources.

Professional Contribution: This is a key resource for building my capacity to use technology purposefully. It will help me incorporate tools that enhance learning and engage students more deeply. I get nervous about including technology in the classroom because I am not good with it, so this will push me to learn with my students as well.

 

 

3. Class Tech Tips

Type: Instagram

Author: Monica Burns

Reason for adding: I was interested in following this account for its visually engaging tips on how to integrate technology in creative and meaningful ways

Professional Contribution: This resource offers quick ideas that are implementable and easy to include in my lessons. It is a great way to stay updated on tech and discover new tools without having to read through long articles.

 

 

4. Behind the classroom

Type:  Blog

Author: Nicole

Reason for adding: This blog appealed to me because it shares authentic reflections for educators on a variety of topics, including practical advice, classroom management tips, and teaching inspiration

Professional Contribution: This blog is a place to learn from other teacher experiences who are like-minded, like me and find a relatable perspective. This blog will help me to reflect more critically on my practice and try new strategies based on what has worked for them and what they would have done differently.

 

 

5. Sweet Firstie Fun

Type: TikTok

Author:  Madison Rowe

Reason for adding: I was drawn to this account for its fun, creative and visually engaging approach to primary teaching ideas. The quick video format makes it easy to replicate activities and customize them. It also allows you to have easy access to the videos on your phone by saving them in a file, making it easier to find.

Professional Contribution: This will give me a resource where I can find playful and engaging lesson ideas to adapt for my grade two students. I sometimes lose my creative touch and like looking at how other teachers have made lessons creative and engaging. This is also a good reminder that incorporating creativity into the classroom can have a significant impact on students' learning and engagement.

 

 

 

Mapping Analysis

         When mapping out my learning network, I placed myself at the centre, with each of my two resources branching out of the three categories, which are: Instructional Inspiration, Technology and Digital Tools, and Professional Reflection and Growth.

 

In the instructional inspiration area, I uncovered the resources Art Hub and Sweet Firstie Fun, which offer fun, creative lesson ideas. Early Smiles Education and Lisa Elaine on TikTok also fall into this category, as they both focus on playful learning strategies that I can adapt into my classroom.

 

In the technology and digital tool section, I put together Class Tech Tips, which gives practical ed-tech ideas, and Behind the Classroom, which provides fresh perspectives on integrating technology into lessons. The reading in this module, “Defining and Building a PLN”, highlights the value of having resources that give me up-to-date tech skills, which helps me keep my teaching relevant and engaging.

 

In the professional reflection and growth area, I placed the podcast Ignite Your Teaching, The EduGals Podcast, The Balanced Educator and True Colours of Teaching. These resources give me more profound insight into pedagogy, leadership, and the mindset needed for long-term success as an educator. As “Nuts and Bolts: Building a PLN” explains, a strong PLN should be a mix of consuming and contributing. These podcasts not only give me ideas but also often spark discussions with colleagues after listening.

 

When looking at my Professional Learning network, it is strong, creative, and includes instructional strategies and digital learning tools. It also offers a good balance of quick inspiration through videos, as well as deeper professional conversations.

 

One area I would like to develop further is subject-specific professional networks. I would like to join a math-focused educator group or participate in an online community like Twitter. The “The Teacher Challenge ” goes through how to use Twitter for your PLN and the importance of using and creating hashtags, which I did not know. This would expand the collaborative aspect of my networks and allow me to share my stagies more widely. 

 

Overall, this professional learning network supports my professional practice by keeping me inspired, engaged, connected, and continually learning. This plan allows me to discover new tools, reflect on my teaching practices and engage with a wider educator community. Having these resources for new strategies is helping me become a better educator, which benefits my students as I want to be the best I can be for them.

 

Reflection on Creating a Personal Learning Network

         Creating my Personal learning Network was an eye-opening experience that made me stop and think about where I turn to for professional learning and inspiration. Before mapping it out, I knew I used social media, listened to podcasts and read blogs, but I had not thought about how intentional these connections could be.

 

One of the most significant benefits of building this Personal Learning Network was seeing the variety of voices and perspectives I already have access to. For example, Instagram and TikTok have so many accounts that share so much, and it is so easy to get the information. Sweet Firstie Fun give quick, practical strategies I can rely on in the classroom, the very next day or even after lunch if I am struggling. At the same time, podcasts like Ignite Your Teaching push me to reflect on bigger ideas such as assessment, leadership and teacher well-being. The balance between quick inspiration and deeper professional reflection makes my learning network both practical and meaningful.

 

Overall, creating this PLN has strengthened my sense of belonging to a broader professional community.  It supports me with resources, encouragement and collaboration while also challenging me to keep learning and sharing. As someone who enjoys learning, this assignment allowed me to find new resources to learn from.