Networked+Learning

May 12, 2010 ** __ Networked Learning  __ ** Who is my network: I have a very extensive network of colleagues, family, friends and students. The individuals that I go to for assistance with computer technology are my fellow LTTers, Rick Botero, Tom Fullerton, Andrew Zappavigna (Technology teacher at Minnekhada), my husband, and students I teach. What are the benefits of networked learning: The benefits are that I learn something immediately and can apply it in my daily life and teaching career. I loathe reading manuals so having someone teach me or I teach them is ideal for me. As they say, you learn best if you teach something. I learn a great deal more from a variety of people than if I were just to be sleuthing the internet on my own or trying out a new application. Other individuals can steer me in the right direction or give me warnings about things I should not waste my time on. What are the risks of not engaging in a personal learning network: The risks of not engaging in a PLN are that I am forseen as a loner and a snob. Furthermore, I waste precious time, become “out of the loop” and quite frankly become anti-social. It can be a lonely and boring existence. What have we explored in LTT with regard to PLNs: It is possible to network with people all over the world. I am able to find information on issues I am dealing with in class, because someone else in the world chose to put it on the internet for me to access. I can use any of a number of reputable social networking sites to contact other professionals (esp. teachers) and discuss classroom issues and technology related topics.