PLN Reflection Essay

            Personal/professional learning networks are a great tool for educator. PLN is used to communicate and collaborate with other educators through a social network. For our class (ED 452), we had to choose 3 PLN to be a part of. During my research for a PLN, I followed a criteria that I created. My goal for my PLN is to find other educators with ease while given the ability to contribute and grow. In the end, I decided on Pinterest, Instagram, and Livebinder.

          Pinterest is a great place for teachers. It's free and easy to use. You're able to view Pinterest through your mobile device or laptop. Through Pinterest, you're able to search for pins while sorting them into your own boards. We are able to obtain ideas for our lesson plans and classroom. I also use Pinterest to gain insight on the SPED program. One of my favorite things that I enjoy about Pinterest is that it connects to other teacher's blogs and teacherpaysteacher. Anyone can participate in Pinterest. You do not have to be a teacher to enjoy the benefits of Pinterest.  Because of this, it's harder to be a significant contributor to Pinterest. Although we are able to grow by inspirations from Pinterest, we have a harder time planting our own seed. 

Instagram is a popular social media that filters searches through hash-tags (#). Just like Pinterest, it is free and easy to use. The app provides easy navigation. Anyone can participate and collaborate in this PLN. By using a hash-tag, educators have an easier time finding each other. Since Instagram is sorted by members, we are able to keep track of each other progress. I love how we have the ability to contribute. I am able to post pictures of what I am doing in the classroom. By doing this, I will be able to receive support and criticism from teachers around the world. We are also able to connect through comments or private messages. For some teachers, they're able to link their Instagram to their blog and TPT. My only issue with Instagram is the inability to hyperlink on posts. What if we wanted to share ideas? I would also desire a better layout for their comments.

My last PLN that I will be discussing is Livebinder. Livebinder is an online binder for professionals and students. Prior to this class, I was required to use Livebinder by my administrator. I did not realize that we were able to use Livebinder as a form of PLN. Livebinder is a great tool! Just like Pinterest and Instagram, Livebinder is free until you research a certain limit. Although it may take some time, Livebinder is fairly easy to use. You're able to create a binder with your own specific topic. Within the Livebinder, you're able to set up tabs and sub-tabs with different forms of media. How does it become a PLN? Livebinder is used to collaborate with other educators. In my case, I used Livebinder to collaborate with my counterparts. We shared ideas and samples. We also discussed different ways to improve for next school year. Teachers are able to share their binders with other teachers, as long as they provide a link while remaining public. On another note, it may be difficult to find active teachers through Livebinder. I think this is a tool that you would need to share with educators that you found elsewhere.