Tool 2: I am part of a PLN!

Wow, there were some strong statements in this tool that described what a teacher's role will be in a networked learning community in the future.  In sum, teachers will be expert learners whose job is NOT to teach, but to help others learn through modeling and collaboration (Ten Big Questions for Education).  Do you think this statement also applies to teachers in physical learning communities today?

1. I believe there are many benefits to building an online education community, especially as the world is becoming more virtual.  By participating in a personal learning network (PLN), one has access to inumerous resources and knowledge in any field of interest.  That makes PLNs attractive and effective to a learner - you look up and learn new information about something that's of interest to you, and you can also share your knowledge for others' benefits.  I realize that I'm part of a craft PLN because I love to follow blogs and websites that present such information.  Being part of a PLN sounds like having access to a customized database of knowledge with limitless sources!  Therefore, choose the members of your learning community wisely.

2. What stood out to me from the first article was that as a blogger you can and need to invite participation from your blog followers.  One can only become an active PLN participant when they interact with the blog content and engage in discussion by commenting.  The commenting etiquette on the second article made me realize that commenting on a blog is very much like a face-to-face conversation; it requires meaningful thinking, purposeful words and mutual respect.

3. These are the blogs I've commented on:

Becoming a 21st Century Learner
Norton Tigers
Live 2 Learn & Learn 2 Live
SuperThorn3
K-Bil Tiger Cubs

Check them out - they're worth your comments!