This document discusses creating a personal learning network (PLN) to make personal learning easier. It defines a PLN and outlines three learning objectives: deciding what a PLN means, finding ways to set up a PLN, and determining when to edit a PLN. It then discusses types of online learning and strategies for adult learning. Finally, it provides a five-step process for setting up a PLN that involves finding communities, setting up RSS feeds and blogs, following social networks, and sharing knowledge.

1. Creating a Personal Learning
Network
Brandie Ledford
Sac City Public Library
January 25, 2012

2. Today’s Learning Objectives
1) Decide What a PLN means to you.
2) Find Ways to Set up a PLN that helps you
make personal learning easier.
3) Determine when to edit your PLN when it
no longer serves your needs.

3. What is a PLN?

4. Too much information…too little time!

5. Types of Online Learning
Synchronous = Face to Face or Live
E-Learning in Real Time
(ex. Adobe Connect, chat, ICN)
Semi-synchronous = Using Web 2.0 for
communication and sharing
(ex. Blogs, wikis, social networking)
Asynchronous = Unscheduled and Self-Paced

6. Adult Learning Strategies

7. 7 ½ Habits for Highly Successful
Lifelong Learners
1) Begin with the end in mind – set goals.
2) Accept responsibility for your own learning.
3) View problems as challenges.
4) Have confidence in yourself as a
competent, effective learner.
5) Create your own learning toolbox.
6) Use Technology to your advantage.
7) Teach/Mentor others.
7 ½) Play!
From: www.cmlibrary.org/public/learning/player.html
2012 Update: See Lori Reed’s site www.lorireed.com, the original creator of the 7 ½ Things.

8. Barriers

9. Informal Learning Sites

10. 5 Steps to Set up a Personal Learning Network
1) Find Your Tribe! Join a professional network group/
Wiki/Ning in your Town/State/Field of Expertise.
2) Set up a personalized start page like iGoogle and set
up an RSS Feed Reader like Google Reader. Set Google
Reader to show up on your start page.
3) Find 5 blogs using Google Blogs and subscribe to the
RSS feed to start reading them.
4) Begin following 5 microblogs or social network feeds
using Twitter, Google+, Facebook, Pinterest,
StumbleUpon or LinkedIn. Explore social bookmarking.
5) Share what you know! A network is not just
reading…you have to contribute. Add to the
conversation when you can.

11. Find Your Tribe
• Iowa Library Services – Classes available on
AdobeConnect – Check the C.E. Catalog
• ILA & Subdivisions -
www.iowalibraryassociation.org/
• ALA - www.ala.org
• PLA - http://www.ala.org/pla/
• WebJunction www.webjunction.org (choose
“Learning Center”)

12. Using iGoogle

13. Setting up a Personalized Start Page
Opera Speed Dial
Netvibes
PageFlakes
Chrome New Tab
iGoogle
Speed Dial for Firefox
My Yahoo!
Schmedley
Web Wag

14. Finding Favorite Blogs & RSS Feeds
• MyYahoo
• Newsgator
• MyAOL
• Bloglines
• Netvibes
• GoogleReader
• Pageflakes

15. http://edutraining.googleapps.com/Training-Home

16. Microblogs/Social Networking

17. Social Bookmarking

18. Share What You Know
100%
80% Lecture
Reading
60% Audiovisual
Demonstrations
40% Discussion
Practice
20% Teaching Others
0%
Retention Rate

19. Questions?