PLN Basics
What does PLN stand for?
Professional Learning Network.
Name one benefit of having a PLN.
Ongoing learning, collaboration, or support.
You find an educator on Instagram who regularly shares useful classroom strategies. What could you do besides simply following them to begin building a professional connection?
Engage with their content by commenting, asking questions, sharing ideas, or participating in discussions.
What is one way to begin building a PLN?
Follow people you want to learn from.
A teacher shares a useful classroom resource and credits the creator. Professional or not?
Professional
A PLN is a community of people you connect with for what purpose?
To grow professionally and improve your knowledge and skills.
A teacher is struggling with classroom management. How could their PLN help?
They can connect with and ask their network to exchange ideas, resources, feedback, support or strategies.
Which platform is especially focused on professional networking, career opportunities, and connecting with employers?
What makes an online community worth joining as part of your PLN?
Meaningful dialogue, interaction, and opportunities to learn from others.
A teacher posts a picture of a student online without permission. Professional or not? Why?
Not professional; it does not protect student privacy.
Name two types of people who could be part of your PLN.
Educators, Mentors, Experts, Peers, or people you admire/want to learn from.
A teacher only uses social media to scroll and watch videos. Is that enough to get the full benefit of a PLN? Why or why not?
No. A PLN involves connecting and engaging with others—sharing ideas, discussing, collaborating, and getting support.
True or false: TikTok itself is your Professional Learning Network. Explain.
False. TikTok is a platform or tool. The people and professional connections you build through it form your PLN.
Why is it important to regularly connect with your PLN rather than only visit it when you need help?
Regular participation helps you continue learning, build professional relationships, stay connected, and contribute to the network.
Q: You find an exciting teaching claim online and immediately share it with your PLN without checking whether it's accurate. What's the problem?
You may be spreading misinformation; verify information before sharing it.