Explain what a personal learning network is and, drawing on examples from your own learning journey in this

module, comment upon the educational value of personal learning

networks.

What is a Personal Learning Network?

A particular (constructivist)

theoretical approach to education

A new technological

‘system’ (PLE as the new VLE)

A concept

3 starting points

Personalised Learning

• Personalised Learning (John and Wheeler 2008)

A concept

Some authors clearly suggest treating the notion of Personal Learning Environments

as a concept or approach. Attwell (2007a), for example, states explicitly that “... it is

critical that PLEs are being seen as not just a new application of educational

technology, but rather as a concept. The development of Personal Learning

Environments represents a significant shift in pedagogic approaches to how we

support learning processes” (p. 59).

Fiedler (2010)

• Wilson (2005)

Fiedler (2010)

Reflection - your experience is important

You can reflect on any theoretical or practical experience in your academic development. These reflections can be of either a positive or negative event and can be:

•Good examples of your practice

•Meaningful events

•The value of a particular skill

•An event that frustrated you

•An event where you wanted to improve your knowledge

•An event that made you happy, sad, distressed, or enlightened!

Reflection - your experience is important

Reflective writing is evidence of reflective thinking. In an academic context, reflective thinking usually involves:

• Looking back at something (often an event i.e. something

that happened, but could also be an idea or object)

• Analysing the event or idea (thinking in depth and from

different perspectives, and trying to explain, often with

reference to a model or theory from your subject)

• Thinking carefully about what the event or idea means for

you and your ongoing progress as a learner and/or practising professional

Exploring Educational Value – Key Issues

Are PLE/PLNs sufficiently defined yet? (Fiedler 2010)

Isolation vs Mutuality (John and Wheeler 2008)

Danger of social injustice (Facer 2010)

?

?