When asked to discuss my PLN, my first thought was “What in the world is a PLN?” After some research, I learned that a PLN is a Professional Learning Network that connects you with people in your specific field and serves as a communication resource to collaborate in order to create and develop lessons and activities. To represent my PLN, I used the interactive website called Ayoa, a resource that allows the user to create mind maps. When I began mapping out my network, I thought it was going to be very small but, as I started thinking of who I collaborate with, my network quickly began to grow. I have taught for seven years at four different schools and three different grades; therefore, my network grew as I included colleagues from all of those teams. My Annapolis Middle and George Fox Middle networks are groups where I draw the most from in regards to engagement within my content and ideas I can use with my students. Another part of my network includes my family, as my mom teaches 9th grade Social Studies and my girlfriend teaches 5th grade. They are strong resources when I am looking for new strategies for differentiating instruction, such as advancement in my lessons or strategies for struggling readers. Technology is something I hadn’t thought about as part of my PLN, but has become a huge part in recent years. Many of my ideas and materials come from social media and technology resources. New ideas posted on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have helped guide me in creating virtual lesson plans and instruction for my students, by giving me ideas such as Jamboard and Brain Pop. Also having entered the program at Michigan State, my PLN continues to grow as I interact with peers and professors and gain more ideas and resources. Common Sense Education. (2017, July 21). What's a PLN? And 3 ways teachers can get connected [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju54C5A3RCw&feature=emb_logo
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