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#8 How to build a Personal Learning Network (PLN)

Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a community of educators who connect and collaborate online to share knowledge, resources, and innovative ideas, fostering continuous professional development. It's essentially a group of teachers who help each other learn and grow by sharing ideas and support online. Building a PLN is an important task for all teachers because it offers a wider range of ideas and resources than is available elsewhere.


How can you build one?

● Identify your learning goals and assess your current network. What do you want to learn? Who do you already know who can help you?

● Research and choose suitable platforms. Some popular platforms for building PLNs include X, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs, and educational websites.

● Create and optimize profiles with relevant keywords. Make sure your profiles are up-to-date and include information about your interests and expertise.

● Connect with colleagues and join relevant groups. Reach out to people you know and join groups that are relevant to your interests.

● Share insights and participate in discussions. Don't be afraid to share your own ideas and engage with others.

● Regularly engage and adapt your PLN. Building a PLN is an ongoing process. Keep engaging with your network and adapt it as your needs change.


LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking and career development that can be used to build your PLN. To make the most of it:

● Update your LinkedIn profile with relevant information and keywords.

● Send connection requests to individuals and groups aligned with your professional interests.

● Engage in introductory posts or comments within your chosen groups to initiate conversations and establish your presence within the community.

While building a PLN takes time, it's an engaging and enjoyable experience. Just allocate a few minutes each day to spend time reading blog posts and interacting on platforms like X. 


Remember, your PLN can be adapted in many ways to meet your needs.

Maintaining your PLN involves the same activities used to build it: engaging in regular conversations, sharing, liking, and commenting. You can also expand your network by connecting with new people and staying updated on the latest trends and tools. 


Some other PLN activities include:

● Collaborative Projects, such as a shared resource library, joint webinars or workshops, or co-authored blog posts or articles

● Online Discussions and Challenges, like participating in X chats or a monthly book club9

● Virtual Social Events, such as virtual coffee breaks or online game nights9

● Mentorship and Coaching

● Community Service Projects


Building and nurturing a network is one of the most powerful things you can do to support your career advancement.





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