What is a Personal Learning Network?
A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a tailored system of people, tools, and resources that a learner intentionally builds to support and enrich their ongoing learning journey.
- This network may include friends, colleagues, educators, mentors, industry professionals, content creators, or anyone you connect with through digital platforms such as social media, blogs, podcasts, and online communities.
- By using digital tools, members of a PLN share information, learn from each other, problem solve and collaborate.
- A well developed PLN empowers learners to stay current in rapidly changing fields, engage in lifelong learning, and customize their educational experience to fit their unique goals and interests.
How to Choose the Right Tools for Your PLN
Building a PLN means choosing the tools that work best for your learning goals. To stay updated, you can follow blogs, podcasts, websites and join email lists that share the latest information in your field. Social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest help you connect with experts, find collaborators, and join educational discussions.
Additionally, formal learning platforms like Khan Academy offer structured courses and tutorials to deepen your knowledge and skills. Other forums such as StackOverflow allow users to collaborate on problems, compare methods, and discuss results. By combining these resources, you can create a personalized network that supports continuous learning and professional growth.
| Informal Learning | Formal Learning | Social Media |
| Blogs | Books printed by scholarly publishers | |
| Podcasts | Conference posters or papers | X (Twitter) |
| Letters/Email | Professional associations such as IEEE, NCTM, ISTE | |
| YouTube videos | Khan Academy | Snapchat |
How You Can Build Your PLN
- Step 1: Identify your learning interests or goals. What do you want to learn more about or achieve?
- Step 2: Find and follow people, pages, or groups related to those interests.
- Step 3: Engage by asking questions, commenting, sharing useful information, or starting discussions.
For me, networking has been the most effective way to build my PLN. I have developed valuable connections with my professors and networked through attending PhD defenses, colloquiums, and conferences at my university. These in-person interactions are especially helpful because I received direct feedback, advice, and the chance to build genuine relationships. Additionally, after speaking with my colleagues, I learned that having a LinkedIn account can boost co-op and job opportunities.
Why PLNs Matter
Your PLN is a unique reflection of your chosen influences, guiding your growth and worldview. You can intentionally curate your network by choosing those that challenge and inspire you. Otherwise, algorithms may shape your network.
You can engage ethically in your PLN by crediting others, contributing respectfully, and ensuring everyone feels valued. Your interactions shape the culture of this network. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge diversity and inclusion, as it brings varied and amplified perspectives.
Each exchange has the potential to influence its direction and enrich your growth. To ensure your PLN remains a meaningful space, create it with intention, promoting connections that inspire, challenge, and support your learning journey.
Building my PLN has made learning more engaging and interactive. It provides a sense of support and empowerment, encouraging me to reach out whenever I need guidance or inspiration. Overall, my PLN has significantly enhanced my educational experience, especially since it can be tailored towards my personal goals and interests.
References
Parsi, N. (2022). Build a learning culture. Welcome to SHRM.
https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/all-things-work/build-learning-culture
Online courses vectors & illustrations for free download. Freepik. https://www.freepik.com/vectors/online-courses
Slocum, M., & Uskokovich, S. Formal vs informal sources. Introduction to College Research. https://fscj.pressbooks.pub/collegeresearch/chapter/formal-vs-informal-sources/
Czerkawski, B. C. (2016) Blending formal and informal learning networks for online learning. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning. https://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/download/2344/3689?inline=1
Poth, R. D. (2023). Building your professional learning network. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/professional-learning-networks-teachers/