This document discusses professional learning communities (PLCs) and personal learning networks (PLNs). It states that PLCs are groups that people belong to for their work, while PLNs are groups people belong to for lifelong learning. PLNs are made up of individuals' connections and contacts around the world that they use to collaboratively share and exchange knowledge. Members of PLCs bring their PLNs with them, and learning teams within PLCs benefit from networking through PLNs. Together, PLNs and learning teams make up the foundation of effective PLCs by promoting sharing of collective knowledge.

1. An Illustration of learning community development
Sean Thomas Moroney M.Ed.
Image source/credit: Mike Stickler http://mikestickler.com
PLC Structure

2. Image source/credit: Interlead http://tinyurl.com/q34eyaw
Successful Professional Learning Community Circuit Features:

3. The Power of the PLC is as much about Networking as it is the
collective knowledge of the members…
PLN
Professional Learning Community Networking
Image source/credit: http://lisamireles.wordpress.com/

4. Personal Learning Networks (PLN’s):
Fundamental to active Professional Learning Communities are the
member’s interest in developing and maintaining their own Personal
Learning Network or “PLN’s”.
Image source/credit: http://resourcelinkbce.wordpress.com/

5. Common Personal Learning Network Elements
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6. Members of Personal Learning Network or “PLN’s” actively seek and reach out to
others exchanging and sharing in an ongoing dynamic of collaborative learning.
Leveraging technology, their contacts and connections extend worldwide and
transcend borders, and timezones...
Image source/credit: http://hollymullinax.blogspot.co.at/2014/09/
Personal Learning Networks (PLN’s):

7. Personal Learning Networks in
Networked Learning Communities
Image source/credit: http://connectededucators.org/cem/professionallearning/

8. PLN & NLC Tools/Resources:
Image source/credit: Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano- www.langwitches.org/blog | http://educationaltechnology.ca/couros/799

9. -PLN’s are not fixed in place or time
-PLN’s are portable, mobile can follow one.
-PLN’s can be any size, scope, scale
-PLN’s are self-directed and determined -(not external)
In summary: Professional Learning Communities are what people belong to for
a living
Professional Learning Networks are what people belong to for life-long
learning...
PLN’s and PLC’s - What’s the difference?
?

10. Professional Learning Teams
Image source/credit: http://resourcelinkbce.wordpress.com
People in organizations frequently join together to form Learning Teams.
They bring their PLN’s with them to these teams so all benefit. These teams
actively network to collaboratively share and promote professional learning.
Learning teams can be found in all active and vibrant Professional Learning
Communities.

11. Professional Learning Networks = Professional Learning Communities:
Professional Learning Newtworks -PLN’s along with learning teams can
be thought of as the building blocks and foundation of Professional
Learning Communities.
Professional Learning Community
Image source/credit: http://www.clipartpanda.com/ | resourcelinkbce.wordpress.com

12. Learning Community Constituents
Collaboration
Via
Networking
External PDResearch
Internal PD
Exploration /
Innovation
Community
/ Parents
Learning
Leadership
Learning
Educator
Learning
Student
Learning

13. An Integrated Professional Learning Community
Educator
Learning
Student
Learning
Internal PDLeadership
Learning
Research
Community
/ Parents
Learning
External PD
Exploration /
Innovation
Connection
and
Collaboration
Of
LNs

14. Are groups of professionals committed to taking part in learning
together. Ideally, they are cultures constantly engaged in sharing,
exchanging, and contributing to collective knowledge.
http://youtu.be/MqSH5TMYlz4
Professional Learning Communities:
Image source/credit: http://lifewelllearned.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/learn-group.gif

15. An Illustration of learning community development
Questions, Comments, Inspirations?
Contact me: Sean Thomas Moroney M.Ed | @seantm | seantm.info
PLC Structure
2015