Chapter Six

     In chapter six of The Connected Educator, we talk about growing your own personal learning network or PLN. I am learning so much when it comes to this and hope to be able to implement and continue to learn even after I am done with my Exploring Your Digital Profile class. I love how the book says in the second part of this chapter, "Remember to take the posture of a learner. You will grow as you go." This chapter mentions that we should be intentional with who we follow on digital platforms. Just because someone follows us does not mean we should just follow them back. First find out if they are worth following. A good question I will ask myself when deciding whether to follow someone will be, do they align with what my goals are? 

    There are different views on Personal Learning Networks when it comes to the amount of people to be connected to in Personal Learning Networks. Some argue that if there are any more than 150 connections with people is is unmanageable. Others argue the more the merrier. Both can be true depending on the individual. We each have to find this out ourselves. When it comes to social work I do really think connections are so very important. But we also have to look at the quality of the relationships, do we have a good foundation and understanding of what they do? Can we depend on each other? Can we trust each other? These are all questions a social worker such as myself may ask when referring someone to another organization. 

    Now networking is important but if all you do is network there is a huge part missing. We need community. When networking and community come together some great change can occur. Think about if all I did as a social worker was network but never got involved in the community, or brought these resources and connections to the community?  What kind of social worker would I be? The answer is not a very good one at all! I would be sub-par. That would be quite a disservice to myself as a social worker as well as those I work with to help. I think about how I have already started my own network, but also how much more I can grow by utilizing various networks and tools that I have not tapped into yet. Like the chapter talks about in both designing and evolving your community it is important to think about how you can make a positive change in your community. What can I offer and what can we implement as a community to grow and become stronger and better?
 

      

Comments

  1. Tuyen TranFebruary 20, 2024 at 7:28 PM

    Your discussion to this chapter is valid to the statement when it comes to the PLN environment and mentioning the individualisms.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anna JoynerFebruary 20, 2024 at 8:38 PM

    Hey Emily! I completely agree with your thoughts on taking the position of a learner. That section really stood out to me as well.I appreciate how Hall acknowledges that the audience are learners. establishing a personal learning Network can be difficult and confusing for people without prior experience. So it’s important to be open to learning new things along the way. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  3. EmilyFebruary 22, 2024 at 7:46 AM

    Hey Emily! Really great job overall, I loved your pictures and your view on personal learning networks as well as your overall creativity. I have one question. With social work what is the key point in this chapter for your major specifically?

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousFebruary 22, 2024 at 2:17 PM

    I LOVE your statement, "When networking and community come together some great change can occur," and the example of your profession following it. I aspire to be an attorney and being involved in the community or understanding my clients needs will be priority so networking , while it will get me places and secure pathways to help my clients, community will be the reason I am able to understand and work hard for them.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sabrina WilsonFebruary 22, 2024 at 5:32 PM

    Hi Emily! You did a great job on this post. I think you made some great points and I specifically agree with your question of "do they align with what my goals are?" when thinking about following someone new. It's super important to tune into networking as we continue our career paths. I love how you make it a point at the end to say you want to continue to grow and implement great things into the community.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Randi MarieFebruary 27, 2024 at 9:00 AM

    Great post Emily! I liked what you wrote on finding out if someone is a worthy follow by asking yourself if they align with what your goals are. That is very important! I also enjoyed your statement on networking. If all we do is network were missing a big part which is the need of community. What ways have you tried to build such community?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Alexa AtzertMarch 28, 2024 at 8:54 AM

    Hello, I like how much you went into detail in your blog posting! The stress on how important a good community is the key to success I believe. By creating these learning communities, it will strongly benefit everyone involved.

    ReplyDelete
  8. aimee cApril 25, 2024 at 12:21 PM

    In your blog I appreciate the emphasis on being intentional with digital connections and aligning them with personal goals. It really should be quality over quantity.

    ReplyDelete

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