Today, we look at the importance of PLNs within the education world. Just what is a PLN? It’s “A self-created set of experts, colleagues, and resources ... that meet one’s daily learning needs.” More simply, it's, “An extended group of knowledgeable people you reach out to for answers, and trust to guide your learning."
Why is it important to build a PLN? Today on TeachHUB.com, frequent contributing writer Jacqui Murray looks at the reasons why educators need a PLN:
- It helps you grow professionally
- If forces you out of your comfort zone
- And more!
Jacqui also instructs us on how to build a PLN. Her ideas include:
- Reach out to others in your field
- Use #hashtags
- Always answer questions and acknowledge comments
- And more!
All in all, the imp[ortance of having a PLN can’t be emphasized enough.
What are some of the ways you build and cultivate your PLN?
Technology in the Classroom: Color Uncovered App Review
Chok full of optical illusions, insightful articles, activities, and videos, Color Uncovered provides an abundance of information in an engaging way.
For more great educational reviews targeted for both teachers and students, download your free issues of TeachHUB Magazine.
STEM Education in the Elementary Classroom
It’s never too early to begin teaching kids about STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), according to frequent TeachHUB.com contributor Janelle Cox, who notes that our national economic prosperity depends on it.
Janelle also notes that one way to give kids the opportunity to explore a real-world scientific problem is to give them a hands-on experience.
Begin this process by:
- Identifying a real-world problem.
- Asking questions to explore the problem (and potentially solve the problem).
- Developing solutions.
- Exploring a hands-on activity.
