Chapter 6. Building Your Personal Learning Network (PLN): Lessons from The Connected Educator and How It Shapes My Career Path
In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, the importance of connection cannot be overstated. As Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach illustrates in Chapter 6 of The Connected Educator, developing a Personal Learning Network (PLN) is not just beneficial—it’s essential for our professional growth and well-being. I've come to appreciate how essential these networks are in our increasingly connected world.
Nussbaum-Beach highlights that your PLN isn’t about the sheer number of connections but rather the quality of those relationships. She notes, “Personal learning networks make that two-way flow happen, and the result is deeper learning” (Nussbaum-Beach & Hall, 2012). This idea resonates with me because I’ve seen how meaningful connections can transform my understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.
Quality Over Quantity
One of the most important takeaways from this chapter is that forming a robust PLN requires intentionality. Nussbaum-Beach emphasizes being selective about whom to follow and engage with. Instead of accumulating contacts like trophies, the focus should be on nurturing relationships that genuinely enrich your learning experience.
This immediately made me think about how crucial this will be for my work. Anthropology teaches us that cultural relationships are often built on trust and mutual understanding, and these same principles apply to building a PLN. If I rush to create a vast network without considering the quality of connections, I’ll end up overwhelmed and less effective. Instead, a curated group of communicators, anthropologists, and cultural advocates will allow me to focus on learning from their expertise and sharing my own growing knowledge of cultural diversity. I can use it in everyday life too. I think every person has something to offer in terms of knowledge. We just need to be more intentional about it.
One real-world example from the book is how communities can be overwhelming if too large. Citing Dunbar's Number (the theory that humans can maintain stable social relationships with only 150 people), Nussbaum-Beach advises against creating a massive, impersonal network. It is easier to focus on a smaller group, thus it is easier to learn something from the group. As I navigate a career focused on cultures, a network that’s intimate yet diverse will help me build genuine connections that are sustainable long-term.
Embracing Diversity
Nussbaum-Beach also emphasizes the importance of diversity within your PLN. A rich, varied network exposes you to different ideas and challenges your assumptions. This diversity is not just about variety for the sake of it; it’s about fostering an environment where multiple perspectives come together to create a better understanding of the world.
I use this principle by surrounding myself with individuals from different backgrounds. As an OGE peer advisor I spend a lot of time with people from all around the world. To navigate the complexities of cultural communication I try to completely embrace myself in this diversity. Each conversation becomes a chance to learn and grow, equipping me with the tools needed to engage effectively across cultures. In a globalized world, where communication transcends borders, this diversity will enhance my ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Intentional Networking
Another critical insight from the chapter is the idea of intentional networking. Nussbaum-Beach encourages us to connect with purpose. This means actively seeking out individuals who can help us grow and offering our own insights in return. It’s about building a community where everyone benefits. Nussbaum-Beach suggests that we need to approach our networking with a clear purpose. Why are we reaching out to certain individuals? What do we hope to gain from these connections? As I consider my career in Communications, this intentionality will guide my efforts to establish connections that serve my interests and contribute to the community.
For instance, I plan to engage with professionals who are leading in the fields of media, cultural studies, and community engagement. Mentors and thought leaders who share my passion for understanding culture can help me create a network that empowers me to contribute meaningfully to discussions about societal issues and media representation.
Time and Effort Matter
Lastly, Nussbaum-Beach stresses that the effort you invest in your PLN directly impacts the rewards you receive. “What you put in is what you get out.” This reminder serves as a call to action to prioritize your networking efforts. Through attending workshops, participating in online discussions, reaching out for a coffee chat, you are dedicating time to nurture these relationships which will pay off in the long run.
As I continue on my journey, I am committed to setting aside time each week to engage with my PLN—whether it’s through attending online forums/courses, engaging in various on campus discussions or sharing resources.
As I reflect on these insights, I encourage you to consider your own Personal Learning Network. Are you building connections that inspire you? Are you intentionally engaging with diverse perspectives? What steps can you take to cultivate a network that enriches your learning journey?
I’m excited to hear your thoughts and experiences on this topic!
References: Nussbaum-Beach, S. (2012). The connected educator: A pathway to leadership. Solution Tree Press.
To answer your question, no I haven't started building any connections yet but I definitely will start soon. To sooner I start creating connections, I will have a solid foundation for a very effective career. Good question!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your points about the importance of diversity in a PLN and how it improves our awareness of cultural complexity, which is especially essential in your industry. Your dedication to deliberate networking is admirable; it is a proactive attitude that can lead to fruitful and gratifying partnerships.
ReplyDeleteAs you build your PLN, I'm curious about how you intend to evaluate the effectiveness of your connections over time. What specific criteria will you use to assess whether a partnership is improving your learning experience?
You’ve captured some really powerful insights from Chapter 6! I completely agree that in our fast-paced world, the quality of our connections is what truly matters. Nussbaum-Beach’s emphasis on intentionality in building a PLN is so relevant, especially in fields like anthropology where trust and understanding are key.
ReplyDeleteCurrently I am building a PLN that is geared towards learning more about my field. People say having Empathy is a vital and almost neccessary skill to have as an Architect and I believe this is true. The only way someone can empathize with their clients is when they are informed on where those clients are coming from. This is where the PLN comes in and helps the process. Good review of Chapter 6 and very informative breakdown.
ReplyDeleteI think that the reference to Dunbar’s Number was very interesting, as it emphasized the benefits of maintaining a smaller, more focused network. The idea of curating a PLN that’s both intimate and diverse makes a lot of sense, especially when it comes to fostering genuine learning. How do you plan to balance keeping your network small while still ensuring that it will be diverse enough to challenge your thinking?
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