Personal Learning Networks

One of the initial topics being introduced during week 2 of EME 6414 is Personal Learning Networks. Although I had not heard this topic before, after viewing some of the provided voicethread and video clips many of the points and programs involved do seem familiar. Some of the apps I noticed like YouTube, Google +, Twitter, etc. I actually had seen or been at least introduced to previously somehow.

Personal learning networks actually include many tools in different forms such as apps, feeds, and may even involve massive online open courses (MOOCs.) An interesting point made in the PLN presentation was how a single tool or connection are not the only cases within a personal learning network. A personal learning network will build multiple connections almost like a web diagram that connect and relate members as they share information and give out resources or feedback. These ideas also support how mentoring can be made possible when personal learning networks are established. Having professional development and mentor resources are valuable tools, whether they are online or face to face.

As a side note also relating to a recent tweet I had wrote, Adobe programs have been fun to explore a bit and start trying out for certain assignments in my grad school courses. I have viewed some handy Spark presentations with this course so far (personal learning networks were shown in this format.) Investigating some of the different Photoshop and Illustrator tools were also experiences I enjoyed getting practice in for other courses. Now I can see how those specific Adobe programs are additonal tools found in my own personal learning network.