Refining My Understanding of PLNs

Like Kuuipo, I struggled in trying to define a professional learning network (PLN) at first.  She shared her frustration in her blog last week where she stated, “ I literally was stuck on trying to figure out the differences between a PLN and a social media site.  It seriously seems to be the same to me!”  The lines were definitely blurred and continue to be, but I think the biggest lesson that I learned after our round table sessions last week is that no two PLN’s look the same and that is okay.  I have continually noticed in this program that we seek answers and instructions that are black and white, but when we are forced to play in the gray is often where we find the most value in the learning experience.  

Luisa mentioned how she felt her PLN has already been developed as a member of the OTEC program.  She stated, “my doctoral cohort, professors, and the COLT students that I am meeting are the collection of people with whom I have been engaging and exchanging information, and therefore the network I consider part of my PLN.”  I completely agreed with her statement, but also acknowledged that soon this will all be over.   I am approaching graduation in a year and for me it has been important to develop ways to stay current after this program is over.  Defining and building a PLN has been a very valuable experience that I believe will remain with me beyond the course of the OTEC program.

Finally, a quote by Nick summed up why PLN”s are about more than just learning and sharing when he stated, “members of an online community care about one another.”  I know this may sound cheesy, but I have had the opportunity to get to know a lot of great people through the OTEC program, including in this course.  Building these networks has allowed me to develop friendships which was an unexpected outcome of my “distance learning” experience.  There is no better way to end this post than with a video of  the legends Cecilio and Kapono singing the classic melody "Friends" because "we are friends, frie-e-ends."  Mahalo nui for another great course!  

Fight Social Media with Social Media

Dr. Bert posted an interesting article this week on the potential demise of the  pygmy slow loris.  The authors suggest that the popularity of keeping these rare animals for pets spiked as a You Tube video of a slow loris pet owner went viral.  These creatures, who are undeniably cute, have been overharvested in the wild and are on the brink of extinction. 

As we discuss social media and its place in society is not fair to neglect the negative outcomes that often result.  By acknowledging the pros and cons, we are more aware consumers and producers who are thoughtful about what we contribute in our own technological circles. 

Another article pointing out a negative outcome of social media floated my way today.  Molokai community leaders place blame on social media for increasing visitor traffic at a culturally significant site known as Kapuaiwa or "Coconut Grove." 

Photo credit:  http://tripadvisor.com

Regardless of my stance on the issue, I thought it was interesting how this increase in traffic was attributed to social media and how potential solutions to solving the problem did not include social media.  I believe what we are seeing in this debate is one of different generations.  The "education" that the kupuna are envisioning would be effective with their generation, but may not be as effective with the social media users who are causing the alleged problem. 

Changes in technology and the way people communicate have widened a gap in my community.  The sharing of moolelo (stories/histories) is a large part of how traditions are shared and the manao (wisdom) behind these culturally significant places are passed down.  If the moolelo is not being transferred to technology (where our opio or youth are communicating) of course there are going to be areas of disconnect.

My personal belief is that social media can proliferate both positive and negative outcomes.  If social media contributes negatively to an issue, you have to fight it with social media encouraging a positive change.  This was evidenced in the slow loris article, where advocates for the preservation of the species are becoming more vocal and sharing their message through social media and getting obvious results in their favor.  I hope the same type of outcome can occur in my community. 

My Attempt to Define a PLN

Working in a rural environment, I can testify to the importance of having access to information outside your immediate work environment.  Seeing the work of others inspires innovation and encourages me to think about how the successful efforts of others can be localized to provide the same results within my educational community. 

The research I conducted this week on Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) has lead me to believe that building them can shift the way I currently use the internet.  I do not have to attack everything as if I am alone, I have the ability to surround myself with a community of like-minded individuals who are willing to work with me to solve our common issues.  The potential is overwhelming and the outcome can be a truly powerful catalyst for inventing change if done effectively.

I attempted this week to define a professional learning network by observing what makes them different from social networks and by identifying a couple examples.  This website illustrates some of my discoveries.