PLN reflection

The Personal Learning Network (PLN) project in our class has been a reflective exercise for me. For the last 10 years, I have held several positions in a rapidly changing field. I’ve had to rely heavily on my learning network to help me adapt and find solutions.

My learning network has become an unholy mess

Mapping my network helped me clean house. It forced me to think about which sources are really use at the root, and which are secondary so that I can better target my energy. It also made me think about where my network is vulnerable. What other professional organizations should I seek?

I must contribute as well as consume

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.

– Maya Angelou

I’ve always blogged a little, tweeted a little, but I’ve mostly been a lurker on learning networks. I’m might be the free-riding equivalent of the jerk who listens to NPR all year and ignores the pledge drive. This project has re-ignited my commitment for contributing back to my network in order to accomplish some important things:

• Be accountable for my learning
• Promote and celebrate the work of others
• Maybe help somebody else

It’s not purpose-built

This project has also made me appreciate how long it takes to build a robust and effective network. For example, my amazing EDUCAUSE colleagues are among my most impactful teachers. It has taken me almost eight years to build a network of true friends, not just “networking contacts”. When I began building this network I had no idea what it would be good for. I had a different job at that time; my industry had different needs. I realize now that you can’t build a network for a particular project or need. By the time you have a specific need, it’s far too late to build a network. You need to build your PLN before you need it.