Who Needs To Know About Your PLN?

Throughout this course, I have developed a better understanding of PLNs and how they can support both personal and professional growth. Prior to this course, I primarily used social media to stay connected with peers, current events, and topics that interested me. Now, I can view social media and online networks as valuable spaces for learning, sharing ideas, and building professional connections.

People who need to know about my PLN are those who contribute to my learning, including peers, mentors, and in some cases, instructors and future colleagues. Sharing information through a PLN allows individuals to learn from each other and exchange ideas which can support professional growth. One of the key takeaways I learned from this course is that professional networks are most effective when there is a balance between both active contribution and consumption of factual information.

I plan to continue developing my current network and expand it to include more professionals and perspectives. The skills I have developed through this course, including digital communication, networking, and evaluating online information, can be applied directly to professional practice. I am also more aware of how my online presence can influence future opportunities and professional relationships.

Your PLN and the Evolving Internet 

Both PLNs and AI have the potential to improve equity, accessibility, and professional growth by increasing access to information, resources, and professional communities. AI can help people find information efficiently and make learning resources more accessible, while PLNs allow for individuals to connect with others who can share knowledge, expertise, and opportunities.

My current PLN includes sites such as Google, YouTube, Instagram, and university learning communities. These platforms help me to stay informed, connect with professionals, and learn from people with various experiences. In combination, this supports my professional learning goals by providing access to educational content, professional discussions, and career-related information.

Within the Canadian educational context, organizations such as the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation provide professional development opportunities and resources that support ongoing learning for educators. Networks like these demonstrate how learning continues beyond a formal education and throughout a professional career.

One strength of my PLN is that it provides easy access to relevant information and learning opportunities. However, one weakness is that many of my connections have similar backgrounds and viewpoints, which can limit diversity of perspectives. AI also has strengths and weaknesses. It can support learning, improve accessibility, and help organize information, but it can also provide inaccurate information and reflect bias if used without critical thinking.

I can combine academic research with personal experience by engaging with information shared through social media and professional platforms, reflecting on what I learn, and applying those ideas to future professional practice. Overall, this course has changed how I view social media and professional networking. I now see PLNs as valuable tools for continuous learning, collaboration, and professional development in a rapidly changing digital world.

References

British Columbia Teachers’ Federation. (2023). https://www.bctf.ca/classroom-resources/details/professional-development-lens

Estaiteyeh, M., & Mindzak, M. (2025). Building AI literacy in pre-service teacher education in Canada: A case study of two cohorts. Journal of Teaching and Learning, 19(4), 135-154. https://tinyurl.com/2aythfd4

Qualman, E. (2012). Digital leader: 5 simple keys to success and influence. McGraw-Hill. https://tinyurl.com/2afvzd7b