Welcome back to our series on building your professional learning network (PLN). In our previous post, we discussed the benefits of building a PLN and why it’s important for educators to connect and collaborate with others in the field. Today, we’ll dive deeper into how to get started and some best practices for building relationships within your network.
Getting Started: How to Build Your PLN
If you’re new to the idea of building a PLN, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Before we dig into this further, remember your network is personnel from the social networks you use to the size. Here are a few tips to get you going:
- Identify your interests and goals: Before the social media boom, I utilized forums to meet educators with similar interests. It was great to meet people worldwide and share ideas and resources. An excellent place to start is by identifying your interests and goals as an educator. What are you passionate about? What areas do you want to improve? This will help you find others who share your interests and can support your growth.
- Join social media groups: As mention in the first post of this series, I started with Twitter, but this is just one of many options! Don’t feel as though you need to join tons of social media platforms, Twitter and LinkedIn are great places to connect with other educators. Just make sure to find groups that align with your interests and goals, and start following and engaging with others in the community.
- Attend conferences and workshops: Conferences and workshops are fantastic opportunities to meet other educators and learn about new trends and best practices in the field. As you attend sessions take note of the presenters’ social media handles, and don’t forget to search online for people you meet! Two of my favorite conferences in Louisiana are held by LACUE. One is an annual conference held shortly after Thanksgiving and is open to all educators and the other conference is the Technology Leadership Summit which is held each summer.
- Join professional organizations: Professional organizations offer a wealth of resources and opportunities for networking and collaboration. Joining a professional organization can help you connect with others in the field and access support and resources to help you grow as an educator. Just a few examples are ISTE TCEA, LACUE, NSTA, NCTM, NCTE, and NCSS.
Best Practices for Building Relationships within Your Network
Once you’ve started building your PLN, it’s important to build relationships and establish connections with others in the community. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Be authentic: Authenticity is key when building relationships within your PLN. Be yourself, share your experiences, and engage with others genuinely and honestly.
Show interest in others: When connecting with others in your network, show a genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives. Share posts that you find meaningful. Ask questions, listen actively, and be open to learning from others. It can be eye opening seeing things from a new perspective!
Engage in meaningful conversations: Engage in meaningful conversations with others in your PLN. Share your insights and experiences, ask thoughtful questions, and be open to different viewpoints.
Offer support and help: Be a supportive member of your PLN by offering help and support to others. Share resources, offer advice, and lend a listening ear when others need it. We’re all in this together!
Conclusion
Building a professional learning network can be a powerful tool for growth and development as an educator. By following these tips and best practices, you can start building meaningful connections with others in the field and find support and inspiration to help you grow and thrive as an educator. So why not take the first step and start building your PLN today? The next (and final) article in this series will explore additional examples of social media platforms and people in education you need to check out!
