Personal Learning Networks
Encyclopedia
Personal Learning Networks consist of the people a learner interacts with and derives knowledge from in a Personal Learning Environment
. An important part of this concept is the theory of connectivism
developed by George Siemens
and Stephen Downes
. Learners create connections and develop a network that contributes to their professional development and knowledge. The learner does not have to know these people personally or ever meet them in person. The following is an excerpt from Dryden's and Vos' book on learning networks:
through various nodes. In this way, the learner chooses which PLEs
, VLEs
, and social mediums to build a PLN. Specifically, the learner chooses who to interact with in these mediums and how much to participate. The learner enters the PLE
with certain goals, needs, interests, motivations and problems that are often presented to the people they include in their PLN. Moreover, the learner will collaborate and connect differently with various members. The learner will establish stronger relationships with some members and have a low level of connection with others. Not all nodes will be equal. Some of the member roles include searcher, assemblator, designer of data, innovator of subject matter, and researcher.
PLNs are becoming an important part of professional development in several fields with some businesses creating their own e-learning content and PLEs for their employees. In addition, PLNs have become prevalent in the field of education and are rapidly becoming adopted as centers for the diaspora of field related information (in this regard, they are also often referred to as PROFESSIONAL Learning Networks) , .
History of personal learning environments
Personal Learning Environments are systems that help learners take control of and manage their own learning. This includes providing support for learners to* set their own learning goals* manage their learning; managing both content and process...
. An important part of this concept is the theory of connectivism
Connectivism (learning theory)
Connectivism was introduced as a theory of learning based on the premise that knowledge exists in the world rather than in the head of an individual....
developed by George Siemens
George Siemens
George Siemens is a theorist on learning in a digitally based society. He is the author of the article and the book - an exploration of the impact of the changed context and characteristics of knowledge....
and Stephen Downes
Stephen Downes
Stephen Downes is a designer and commentator in the fields of online learning and new media. Downes has explored and promoted the educational use of computer and online technologies since 1995...
. Learners create connections and develop a network that contributes to their professional development and knowledge. The learner does not have to know these people personally or ever meet them in person. The following is an excerpt from Dryden's and Vos' book on learning networks:
"For the first time in history, we know now how to store virtually all humanity's most important information and make it available, almost instantly, in almost any form, to almost anyone on earth. We also know how to do that in great new ways so that people can interact with it , and learn from it."
Aspects
One aspect is that the learner contributes and derives knowledge in a PLEHistory of personal learning environments
Personal Learning Environments are systems that help learners take control of and manage their own learning. This includes providing support for learners to* set their own learning goals* manage their learning; managing both content and process...
through various nodes. In this way, the learner chooses which PLEs
History of personal learning environments
Personal Learning Environments are systems that help learners take control of and manage their own learning. This includes providing support for learners to* set their own learning goals* manage their learning; managing both content and process...
, VLEs
Virtual learning environment
Defined largely by usage, the term virtual learning environment has most, if not all, of the following salient properties:* It is Web-based* It uses Web 2.0 tools for rich 2-way interaction* It includes a content management system...
, and social mediums to build a PLN. Specifically, the learner chooses who to interact with in these mediums and how much to participate. The learner enters the PLE
History of personal learning environments
Personal Learning Environments are systems that help learners take control of and manage their own learning. This includes providing support for learners to* set their own learning goals* manage their learning; managing both content and process...
with certain goals, needs, interests, motivations and problems that are often presented to the people they include in their PLN. Moreover, the learner will collaborate and connect differently with various members. The learner will establish stronger relationships with some members and have a low level of connection with others. Not all nodes will be equal. Some of the member roles include searcher, assemblator, designer of data, innovator of subject matter, and researcher.
PLNs are becoming an important part of professional development in several fields with some businesses creating their own e-learning content and PLEs for their employees. In addition, PLNs have become prevalent in the field of education and are rapidly becoming adopted as centers for the diaspora of field related information (in this regard, they are also often referred to as PROFESSIONAL Learning Networks) , .
See also
- History of personal learning environmentsHistory of personal learning environmentsPersonal Learning Environments are systems that help learners take control of and manage their own learning. This includes providing support for learners to* set their own learning goals* manage their learning; managing both content and process...
- Connectivism (learning theory)Connectivism (learning theory)Connectivism was introduced as a theory of learning based on the premise that knowledge exists in the world rather than in the head of an individual....
- Virtual learning environmentVirtual learning environmentDefined largely by usage, the term virtual learning environment has most, if not all, of the following salient properties:* It is Web-based* It uses Web 2.0 tools for rich 2-way interaction* It includes a content management system...
- George SiemensGeorge SiemensGeorge Siemens is a theorist on learning in a digitally based society. He is the author of the article and the book - an exploration of the impact of the changed context and characteristics of knowledge....
- Stephen DownesStephen DownesStephen Downes is a designer and commentator in the fields of online learning and new media. Downes has explored and promoted the educational use of computer and online technologies since 1995...