ILP: Personal Learning Networks webinar

     For my first independent learning project, I watched a webinar on personal learning networks by Will Richardson. In it, Richardson explains how PLN's are the future of education, and how we can use them to improve not only our learning, but incorporate these tactics as teachers, implementing them in the minds of the next generation. The webinar focuses on the idea that internet connections and interactions can be a big part in learning, and motivating others to reach their goals. He tells a story of a cinematographer named Mark that achieved his fame today from online sites like Vimeo and Linkedin where one can interact with others and get feedback on their work. Richardson is a strong advocate of children learning with tools online. He talks about how we are currently just trying to implement technology on top of school curriculum, rather than changing the traditional classroom to have students learn using that technology. Richardson describes the difference in scarcity and abundance. He says how children today will soon be adult learners in this world of abundance, while teachers and older generations are still teaching in a world of scarcity. The abundance he is referring to is the unlimited access of web and information that today's generations have.
     His main point is how Personal Learning Networks are for people with the same passion to go online and learn from other other. He gave an example about how his 12 year old son wanted to learn how to use the video game Minecraft, so he went to an online site that lets people interact and ask and answer questions about Minecraft. Richardson talks about how sites like this are helpful because they are full of people with the same interests, so they are willing to teach, learn, and interact in a positive way. When using PLN's, Richardson explains how we are "capable of learning at any given moment". He also talks about how while using PLN's, one must be willing to be found on the internet by strangers. It is vital to the process. Personal Learning Networks can be simple, like the "how to's" on Youtube that we use everyday but do not notice. The purpose of PLN's is to learn and contribute while maintaining proper ethics. I found this webinar very eye opening, and I hope more teachers and older generation people view this and see the importance of Personal Learning Networks.

http://www.centerforlearning.org/t-free-resources.aspx