Blog#3: PLN: Connecting Instructors and Students

What does it mean to be a "connected" instructor?

Being a "connected" instructor means that you are not limiting yourself within the dimensions of your classroom. It involves active collaboration with other people who are in the same profession, continuous professional development, and utilization of technology to expand learning horizons and networks that are beneficial in their field of work.

There are many ways an instructor can stay "connected." Here are some ways:

1. Establishing a PLN. Professional Learning Network can help teachers attain professional growth. Through PLN's, they can access a vast selection of teaching styles and philosophies they can integrate in their own pedagogy. There are also various resources shared across digital platform that they can use in their lessons.

2. Collaborating with people of the same profession. It is crucial that an instructor understands the role collaboration plays in attaining professional growth. An instructor can gain feedback, ideas, and strategies if he collaborates with other educators and experts.

Should students have a PLN?

Yes! The answer is yes, but not mandatory, but still strongly encouraged. I said not mandatory because some students have little to no access to technology.

Here are some reasons why I think students should have a PLN:

1. Possible mentorship opportunities. Students can seek guidance from other students or mentors who are willing to help them succeed in their academic and career pursuits. Students should be accepting of the idea that there is nothing wrong with learning from those who have " been there and done that."

2. More access to a vast learning resource. With the emeregence of digital era, learners from different corners of the world can now collaborate through online study rooms. Collaborating with other learners can help students develop different perspectives regarding certain subjects. This platform can also allow students to practice contributing their ideas to other students and people.

3. Being prepared to face the real world. I had a professor who once told me that the best time to plant a tree was yesterday. Students should not wait until they graduate to start establishing their career paths. Networking with professionals and alumni can help them be exposed to different future career opportunities and gain ideas of the nature of their chosen fields.