This document discusses the importance and benefits of professional learning networks (PLNs) for educators. It explains that PLNs allow educators to connect, learn, and collaborate with other professionals worldwide to expand their practice. The document also provides examples of how social media platforms like Twitter, blogs, and websites can be used to facilitate online learning communities and professional development. It emphasizes that being involved in a PLN helps educators become more knowledgeable and effective in their teaching.

1. Professional Learning
Network Plan
Lynette Innabi
TECH 525

2. 21st Century Learning
Social and professional learning networks have transgressed from solely being platforms that connect with one’s
personal circle, to now being involved in almost every aspect of life. Many people, including students, use such
platforms to not only connect with families and friends, or follow topics and trends of their liking, but to also
read up on current events, complete assignments, and connect with people from around the world! Technology
has such a large presence in our lives that it is not a surprise that it is heavily used in education and the
professional setting as well. Many teachers and school districts now engage in 21st century learning. They have
websites, blogs, various professional platforms, and social media accounts to reach their students, or other
educators. These platforms allow us to connect and learn from others. We participate in educational chats,
connect with people, and create new ideas or content together. This is the foundation on Professional Learning
Networks.
After schools were shut down due to CoVid-19, teachers now use Professional Learning Networks and Social
Media to post assignments and connect with educators, students, and families! As we progress to more 21st
century learning style, a professional learning network plan is imperative for success and effectiveness.

3. How would you describe a
Professional Learning Network?
A Professional Learning Network expands an educator’s
professional connections. It transforms learning and
collaboration from an in-person-only exchange to an
in-person and online worldwide network with instant
accessibility and knowledge. In this network, individuals
connect to learn, reflect, inform, and share their practice.

4. What are the benefits of using
Twitter and participating in
Twitter chats?
Whitby’s The Relevant Teacher discusses PLNs and its influences on today's education. He
stresses the importance of having a presence in social media, and amplifies one's
potential to learn and grow as an educator through such platforms. Whitby states,
"Social Media is now part of the infrastructure of our society [and] educators need to be
digitally literate" (Ch. 2). Platforms such as Twitter is an example of the types of social
media used in today's professional and educational learning setting. Twitter chats are a
great way to facilitate learning, reflect on one’s current practice, partake in discussions,
and expand one’s professional learning network. These chats are geared towards
specific ideas and topics that one can choose. Active users remain up-to-date on topics
and broaden friendships.

5. How will you
communicate with
students and families
through technology?
The most effective tool for connecting the school community is to have a combination of
both virtual connectedness and in person communication. It is recommended to prioritize
parent involvement and communication. There are various platforms used for parent
outreach. Some ways I will communicate with families through technology with
applications such as Remind101, ClassDOJO, Twitter, Newsletters via email, our class WIKI
page, and Zoom meetings.

6. How will you plan to use social media
in your classroom? What are the
effects and benefits of using social
media in your classroom?
Integrating social media into a classroom can not only teach digital responsibility, but also
create a real-time classroom community. Platforms such as Facebook, Polls, Kidblog,
Instagram, Snapchat, and ClassDOJO will be used in my classroom next year. With such
platforms we can share activities, information, and student successes with parents and the
community. We can also get instant feedback from students and staff, share ideas, reflect,
and practice grammar through writing activities. With these postings, teachers can use data
for planning and instruction. The difficult part of integrating technology, is monitoring
student responses and free time usage. Some blogs allow teachers to review comments
before they go live. This can help keep the online community safe.

7. How will you plan to include blogging in your
classroom?
What are the effects and benefits of blogging in
your classroom?
There are various platforms for blogging. Depending on the educator, one may prefer short blog-like
websites such as tumbler which transcends to a discussion board, while others enjoy creating a
website to expand ideas. Regardless of the blogging platform, Tom Whitby's The Relevant Educator
states, "[Educators] report that they reflect more, and focus on changing what doesn’t or hasn’t
succeeded for more relevant approaches in their work." It is a beneficial addition to an educator's
lifestyle.
In my classroom, I intend to use Kidblog. I will pose a question and students will reflect by answering
to my post and another student’s response. I will also ask parents and the school community to
participate in our blog discussions. Blogging can bring many benefits to a classroom by creating a
more connected community and applying 21st century skills in the classroom.

8. How will you brand your school or
classroom?
Brad Currie’s All Hands on Deck emphasizes the importance of branding in education. He states, “If you don’t
tell your school’s story, someone else will.” In our school we will continue to brand our school by building
connections with students and staff through various techniques. We will keep family involved, conduct home visits
(once applicable), share students success on our school’s websites, media platforms, and parent newsletters. We will
continue to host activities after school and invite the school community to take part.
Similar to the book, The Power of Branding, we strive to consistently "collaborate to help our children learn,
grow, and develop the skills they need to become successful adults who contribute to the world!" Our teachers are
always using platforms such as Remind101, Twitter, ClassDOJO and our school website to share photos and videos of
students learning, engaging, and overcoming difficult challenges. With teachers from every grade posting photos and
reminders, I want to look into the "Storify" App. Toni Sinanis states that the application gathers relevant information
from social media platforms and creates a link that can be shared in an email, social media accounts, or newsletter!
This is a great way to strategically send out positive information to our school community. Our school undergoes
many successes and it is our job to ensure they are shared and celebrated.

9. How are students affected when their
teacher is involved in a PLN?
When educators are involved in professional learning networks, they are reflecting, connecting,
sharing, learning, and collaborating. These are key skills to an effective educator. We become flexible
thinkers, are more up to date with changes, and possibly more willing to implement a new effective
strategies that best fit the needs of students and stakeholders. Professional learning networks
inspire, and give access to new resources and strategies. They keep the school community involved
and connected, creating a sense of family with the students, teachers, and school communities. As
educators reflect on their practice, students receive more thoughtful lessons, and are introduced to
21st century skills. Additionally, as teachers share student achievements and data, stakeholders are
more involved and have the opportunity to take part in student’s learning.

10. How will you participate in professional
development?
Whitby's states "a PLN is not a result of a single professional
development, [but instead] a mindset that enables one to gather
sources and save them as future contacts." This notion inspires me to
continue to expand my professional learning community, and be
proactive in doing so. I have enjoyed platforms such as Twitter and Wiki,
and will continue to use those platforms this coming school year. I will
seek virtual conferences, and professional development meetings. I
have already found a few that I am interested in attending. I have also
posed discussion questions on twitter, and received some feedback. I
enjoy learning and collaborating, thus professional development is
something I look forward to participating in.

11. Conclusion
Professional Learning Networks are a great way
to grow and thrive as an educator. They expand
connections and improve one’s professional
practice. As technology continues to have a
greater impact in our society, such 21st century
skills are imperative. Professional Learning
Networks allow us to become a connected and
be a relevant educator.

12. Works Cited
Currie, B. (2015). All hands on deck: Tools for connecting educators, parents, and communities. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Clifford, Miriam, “20 Tips for Creating a Professional Learning Network - Getting Smart by Miriam Clifford.” Getting Smart, 24
Sept. 2014, www.gettingsmart.com/2013/01/20-tips-for-creating-a-professional-learning-network/.
Sackstein, S. (2015). Blogging for educators: Writing for professional learning. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Schoology. “The Benefits of Professional Learning Networks for Teachers in Rural Schools and Districts.” Schoology, Schoology,
23 Apr. 2019,
www.schoology.com/blog/benefits-professional-learning-networks-teachers-rural-schools-and-districts#:~:text=A%20PLN%20is%
20an%20online,specifically%20developed%20around%20your%20interests.
Sinanis, T., & Sanfelippo, J. (2015). The power of branding: Telling your school's story. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Whitby, T., & Anderson, S. (2014). The relevant educator: How connectedness empowers learning. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin