A recently new follower on Twitter who is keen to learn more about PLNs contacted me last week, after being referred by another in my PLN who knew about my current research in PLNs and Connectivism. The final paper for the New Librarians’ Symposium has been submitted, so there’s no better time to compile and share resources and key authors resulting from my literature review.

While my research focused on the use of PLNs by library and information science professionals, a key finding from the literature was a concentration on the use of PLNs in an educational context. Discussion tended to centre on the evolving use and purpose of learning management systems. Other themes included attempts to distinguish between personal learning networks (PLNs) and personal learning environments (PLEs); prescribing tools to start a PLN, and tips on how to “join the conversation” and grow a PLN.

Must-Reads

• Couros, A 2010, ‘Developing Personal Learning Networks for Open and Social Learning’. In Emerging Technologies in Distance Education, edited by George Veletsianos.
• Wentworth Institute of Technology: Division of Technology Services n.d, ‘Training Outline: Personal Learning Network (PLN)’.
• Tobin, Daniel. R 1998, ‘Building your Personal Learning Network’.
• Warlick, D 2009, ‘Grow Your Personal Learning Network’.
• Elliott, C 2009, ‘We are not alone: the power of Personal Learning Networks’.
• Utecht, J 2008, ‘Stages of PLN Adoption’, The Thinking Stick Blog.
• Downes, S 2008, ‘Seven Habits of Highly Connected People’
• Siemens, G 2005, ‘Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age’.
• Rheingold, H 2009, ‘Twitter Literacy (I refuse to make up a Twittery name for it)’.
• Siemens, G 2005, ‘Connectivism: Learning as Network Creation’

Supporting concepts of PLNs are: -

• Connectivism
• Network Theory
• Personal Learning Environments (PLE)

Check out other articles, posts and presentations by these authors: -

• Alec Couros
• David Warlick
• Howard Rheingold
• George Siemens
• Stephen Downes

And these Slideshows…

• Downes, S 2008, ‘Connectivism: A Theory of Personal Learning.‘
• Warlick, D 2007, ‘The Art of Cultivating a Personal Learning Network’.
• Bourgeois, Glaude and Morrow 2009, ‘Building a PLN with Web 2.0 Tools’

Other tips and resources for learning more about PLNs (and connecting to others) include: -

• Follow the #pln hashtag on Twitter
• Set up a Diigo account and look for bookmarks for PLN resources