Building Your Personal Learning Network: Elevating Innovation and Perspective
Welcome back to InboxPD, where we simplify digital life to supercharge your professional journey. Today, we're diving into a crucial asset for professional advancement: the Personal Learning Network (PLN). Rooted in connectivism theory, which underscores learning through social and technological networks, PLNs are indispensable for professionals in all sectors. Since the internet's rise in the early 2000s, PLNs have empowered individuals to tap into vast expertise and resources, helping them stay updated, connected, and ahead in their fields.
Building and Leveraging Your PLN
My Personal Learning Network (PLN) has been crucial in my professional growth. It acts as more than just a network—it has been a catalyst for innovation and a portal to knowledge. A memorable instance of its impact was when I encountered career advice from Sam DeMase on Instagram, known as "A POWER MOOD." Her guidance on refining resumes, especially her tips on effective wording and her comprehensive resume overhaul package, significantly transformed my job search strategy. Emphasizing measurable achievements and quantifying my contributions enhanced my capability to communicate my professional worth effectively during recruitment. This experience underscores the value of my PLN in providing actionable insights that drive my career forward.
I found great value in Sam's emphasis on using specific words that connect to measurable outcomes in my work. She highlighted how to communicate quantifiable achievements effectively. By adopting her approach, I attached concrete numbers to my activities, such as overseeing the recruitment of an average of 28 new employees per year with a 100% placement rate, facilitating four rounds of interviews for senior administrative roles, and managing an annual HR review alongside a team of six. This allowed me to quantify and present my contributions in a context that resonates with potential employers. Sam's guidance in articulating these measurable impacts has been instrumental in refining how I showcase my professional experience.
RSS feeds are another key component of my information-gathering strategy, allowing me to stay current with technology trends and interests. Using tools like Feedly and Reeder, I handpick and organise content from reliable sources, gaining direct access to essential updates and insights. This approach provides timely, relevant information, free from algorithmic influence, and puts me in control of my media consumption. Recently, I came across "The Anxious Generation" and Jonathan Haidt's research, sparking a significant ethical dilemma for me as an educational technologist. Do I bear a moral and ethical obligation to limit access to school networks beyond just screening for adult content and extreme violence? Given the evidence suggesting that students' access to social media and casual gaming detrimentally affect their mental health, I'm contemplating the adequacy of the usual responses— students can access these platforms via mobile data, so why bother restricting on our school network, or that education on responsible usage is sufficient. Is this stance truly adequate in addressing the real issues and challenges our students face today? This dilemma underscores the value of my PLN in keeping me informed and shaping my approach to technology in education, reinforcing my commitment to continuous learning and ethical practice in my field.
Strategically Building Your Digital PLN
Define Your Objectives: Clarify what you aim to gain from your PLN. Whether you want to enhance your skill set and network or stay current with industry developments, your goals will direct the structure of your network.
Select Platforms Wisely: Choose digital platforms that align with your professional needs. LinkedIn and Twitter can be treasure troves of information and networking opportunities, while niche online communities provide targeted insights and discussions.
Engage and Interact: Your PLN thrives on active participation. Engage in dialogues, share your expertise, and contribute to your community. This engagement transforms your PLN from a passive information source into an active learning and networking hub.
A Call to Action for All Professionals
Stepping out of the workplace echo chamber is vital for innovation. PLNs facilitate this by introducing new perspectives and diverse insights, essential for breaking the conformity often found in isolated professional environments. A PLN ensures you're not solely reliant on your immediate work environment for growth and innovation, providing a broader view that can enrich and challenge your thinking.
Start refining your PLN today. View it as more than a network—it's your compass in the digital world, guiding you to knowledge, support, and inspiration. A well-developed PLN can vastly improve your understanding, network, and industry presence regardless of your career stage.
We Want to Hear From You
Do you have a PLN - how has it influenced your professional life? Share your stories, challenges, and victories below. Let's cultivate a community of professionals dedicated to mutual learning and growth in our ever-evolving digital landscape.
Notes: In the section Building and Leveraging Your PLN, I didn't explore the value of newsletters, which are another valuable resource. Some I've recently been appreciating:
Ben Thompson's Stratechery, for its thorough exploration of technology and media strategy.
The ByteByteGo Newsletter is a fantastic resource for demystifying complex systems, breaking them down into easily understandable terms and enhancing your knowledge with clarity.
Culture Study by Anne Helen Petersen offers a compelling exploration of contemporary culture, providing thoughtful and often surprising insights that encourage you to reflect on the world around you.
One Productivity by Dan Silvestre is an excellent resource for exploring productivity. It offers valuable insights and practical tips to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.