Building a PLN Ain’t That Easy
Below you will find a poll/question and the results to date of that question. I have been thinking about this for some time now. The title, PLN, or Personal/Professional Learning Network, has been in circulation for some time now and it represents one’s support network beyond the physical, face-2-face relationships that we typically have within our daily reach. It represents the potential power one can tap into when harnessing a much more global and virtual network of like-minded and often expert groups. Tools such as microblogs (Twitter/Plurk), blogs, social networks (Ning, LinkedIn, Facebook) , backchannel conversations, social bookmarking (Diigo, Delicious), and other social applications (YouTube, SlideShare,…) that allow a community to participate in ideas are all key to building your PLN. However, I think we have sometimes represented the responsiveness (hence, the utility) of one’s PLN a little too simplistically at times. For example, the message may come across as “embrace these tools, build your PLN, and you will have a wealth of collaborative power. Or, blogging will revolutionize your teaching/learning. Or, use a wiki and the world will come and help you add content/flesh out your ideas. Or, get a Twitter account and your every question will be responded to by a wealth of great folks who will also all want to follow you. Perhaps some of that comes from watching the response that the “super stars” receive when they ask questions, post blog posts, twitter questions, or invite others to contribute in some way. It is just not that easy as it may seem… or as easy as we (I put myself in that boat) have sometimes communicated. Building a PLN is hard work and it requires diligent, active, and participatory excellence. Many times questions may go unanswered. Many times blog posts may receive no commentary. It is one thing to “take” from your PLN. That’s the easy part. It is a totally different thing to have your PLN “give” to – or work for – you. The latter requires a much more significant depth of relationship.
I have noticed that often my own PLN gets an intellectual shot in the arm when I have met folks face to face in various settings. So, I posed the following question. The response was what I suspected. It is far from a representative sample upon which firm conclusions can be drawn, but it does make me think that face to face connections remain critical for learning, networking, building, and sustaining a vibrant PLN. I noticed that many of this year’s NECC attendees mentioned how valuable it was that they were there physically versus simply being a virtual fly on the wall… that the face to face relationships were an essential part for them. I also recall reading some comments by folks who couldn’t attend physically and how much they missed the physical connective experience, myself included.
It is so much more than simply using the tools, isn’t it – just as being an effective teacher is so much more than the new tools one surrounds himself with.
What do you think? What has been your experience? Please contribute to the embedded poll below.
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July 24th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
“face to face connections remain critical for learning, networking, building, and sustaining a vibrant PLN” – I disagree
I think f2f enhances interactions with people in your PLN, deepens your connections with some individuals, while on the other hand means you discover that some individuals are totally unlike who you imagined them to be.
But whether I meet people f2f would make no difference to how vibrant my PLN. Building a PLN is about relationship building, which is more than the tools, it is about building connections and relationships with people. The weaker the connections with individuals in your PLN the less learning and helping will occur. No different really from being a class room teacher — who is the more effective teacher? The teacher who hasn’t created a connection with their students or the teacher who has?
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July 24th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
This question has certainly been around for a long while – even before the advent of Web2.0. For me the flaw in the thinking comes as a result of focusing on the medium, not the message. By that I mean, people’s initial enthusiasm for an online PLN comes through the “promise” of what these tools can deliver (as you point out in your post) – and after a while they discover that the tools alone aren’t going to change anything. So – the response is to think that another medium (viz f2f) may be better. Problem – f2f is not going to be better or worse – it just provides different opportunities or “promise”.
At the heart of a PLN lies the desire to be connected, the purpose for being connected, and the commitment to being connected in such a network (ie the message). Once that is determined the choice of medium will be informed by the response to these questions, along with consideration of a person’s location, time available, learning style etc etc.
In my experience my PLNs tend to ebb and flow – the connections remain, but the frequency and intensity of the connections vary according to my needs at the time, and the availability of others on the network. in the end it’s the nature and expression of the connections we have with others in the network that will make our PLN work – not the medium. I think Sue and I are agreeing on this point.
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Sue Waters Reply:
July 24th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
@Derek, I have to say I like “it’s the nature and expression of the connections we have with others in the network that will make our PLN work – not the medium” Totally agree.
What is fascinating is the connections with others also change over time – some become more important while others are less important. No different than connections to f2f friends really which change as we grow.
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July 25th, 2009 at 12:39 am
What has not been mentioned is whether we are considering Skype, iChat and other video chat mediums f2f or online. If I Skype with a person in my PLN whom I have never met in person it would definitely change the relationship!
I do agree that building a PLN takes WORK! It requires taking the time to comment on blogs and take part in discussions.
I also like the idea of give and get with a PLN. Is it really a PLN if we take without giving? Or give without getting?
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Derek Reply:
July 25th, 2009 at 1:21 am
@mbteach, I think the lack of mention may be because there’s a current consensus that face to face is a term used to describe physical presence, not merely the exchange of visual images. I do think the point you raise is pertinent here however – we can’t generalise too broadly about the affordances of online technologies as there is quite a difference between working in the synchronous vs asynchronous modes for instance, and then there are the differences between those that allow for audio/visual exchanges and those that don’t etc.
Things will certainly change in the next few years as we see the emergence of tele-presence, augmented reality and holographic imaging become a part of the spectrum of opportunity for us to engage with in the online world
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July 25th, 2009 at 9:32 am
@Sue,
I agree with you very much that building a PLN is about relationship building, so much more than the tools that one uses to build those relationships. But my point was simply that meeting face2face enhances/strengthens those relationships that were first established in virtual space. To that, you agree. Are they “critical” as I first wrote? Perhaps that was too strong of a word to use there.
@Derek,
I like how you frame the initial “promise” of what these tools can deliver. I agree that relationship building is a skill, whether done f2f or virtually. However, some are really not looking for relationships; they are simply looking to have a support group that helps them, answers their questions, and provide advice. As both you and Sue imply, this is unlikely to happen without the relational aspect that needs to contain both ‘give’ and ‘take’ – just as any good relationship requires. However, I’m not so sure I would call f2f a medium. It is uniquely different from an asynchronous medium of communication – or even a synchronous one for that matter. “In the flesh” discourse brings a completely different level of intimacy that I think enhances the relationship once it goes virtual, or as I was trying to communicate, enhances relationships that began virtually.
@mbteach,
I deliberately left off the synchronous mediums of Skype, iChat, etc… as I was just wanting to focus on the more asynchronous ones. However, you are correct, I think, that those tools that allow 2-way video and audio do increase the level of intimacy that can be achieved. That has been my experience, anyway. And, I couldn’t agree more with your statement that to truly be a PLN there must be an equitable level of give and take. However, it has also been my experience that some of folks do not always perceive your “giving” as something of value to their PLN. For example, I have contributed a number of comments to some ‘high-profile’ blogs that did not even get approved. They were simply ignored… and in essence, silenced. However, to their credit, there is no way that they can keep up with and respond to their huge following. I have learned to understand and accept that, but many folks new to the idea of PLN building must realize that it takes a great deal of work (and time) to build, that as Derek says, it ebbs and flows. I don’t think some of this is clearly communicated when sitting in those “How to Build Your PLN” sessions that are all about the tools and successes and as Derek puts it, the ‘promise’. There are disappointments along the way that need to be reconciled in order to persist as there is in any relationship.
Thanks for the fantastic comments, everyone! You’ve all contributed important bits to this picture for me.
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Mary Beth Reply:
July 25th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
@Stephen Ransom,
Your experience with having your comments to ‘hot shot’ bloggers or personalities just shows how online & f2f interactions are not so different! Unfortunately, changing the medium does not change the person or the situation. I have been lucky that the influential people I have come across have been friendly, open and completely void of pretentiousness (yay Sue!). Even if they don’t respond right away, I have almost always gotten a response of some kind.
I believe that these kinds of people, who give back to their readers in a personal way offer more to a PLN than someone who puts things out there without that personal interaction.
I do agree, that sometimes it must overwhelming to get back to EVERYONE who contacts them.
Thanks for a thought provoking post!
Mary Beth
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Mary Beth Reply:
July 25th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
@Stephen Ransom, Sorry for the grammar mistake. “Having your comments ignored” is what I meant!
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Stephen Ransom Reply:
July 25th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
@Mary Beth, Thanks for the reality check. We certainly want to sustain a PLN that is healthy and that works for us.
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July 25th, 2009 at 11:15 am
My two cents here…
I think it truly just comes down to how a person is capable of learning. There are some people out there who can learn totally on their own with minimal interaction. In this case, being totally online might be the best way they can learn, or at least can explore without help in that way.
But there are many people who tend to retain more when they are socially active within these workshops, seminars, conferences, etc.
It is like the students we teach. No matter what the age of a person it, it just depends on their learning styles and work habits.
Not everyone learns the same way!
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Stephen Ransom Reply:
July 25th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
@Karlana, I would agree with you that we all have our own preferred way of learning. However I do think that those who prefer to learn in isolation will experience more and more difficulty in terms of keeping abreast of current trends and initiatives, along with losing out on the valuable learning that comes with socially mediated experiences. Without my PLN, I would have missed many thinking/learning opportunities and would not be as up-to-date on current and new trends in my field. There is something to be said for cultivating a PLN that can serve as a filter for you. George Seimens, among others, has a good post related to this idea. http://ltc.umanitoba.ca/connectivism/?p=61
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July 25th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
I remember going to a conference for another organisation in Perth which probably had 500-1,000 participants, on my own, and feeling the total sense of isolation. We were all from the same educational sector but they were all in groups and I felt isolated as I knew no-one.
Twitter has changed all this. Even if you were going to a conference where none of your friends are, you are able to normally find people on twitter that are going, build a relationship with them and then connect.
“But my point was simply that meeting face2face enhances/strengthens those relationships that were first established in virtual space.” Definitely it strengthens but not always and its not necessarily the people that you interact with the most online. The best part is it is often people who you have sort of chatted with but now get a chance to really engage with.
“‘high-profile’ blogs that did not even get approved or a response” It is a hard one. Certainly some people are just more into sharing their content and less interested in engaging in conversations. Like anything in life it gets back to why you do what you do. To some extent I’m perhaps more forgiving of bloggers who don’t respond back because with the number of blogs, and comments I get on my blogs, I know how much time is involved with engaging with your community. And I also understand how busy some of them are. But … maybe not that forgiving since I make time even if it is visiting 100 student blogs to leave a comment for each of them to encourage them.
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July 26th, 2009 at 7:04 am
Great discussions here and as usual Sue Waters has me rethinking. I am still somewhat of a newbie to the social interactive circle. My network has grown tremendously and there are plenty of people I have no need or interest to meet, but then I’m not a really social person in my day to day life. On the other hand, I know that my early experiences meeting my first couple of friends on Twitter helped A LOT! It broke me through a wall. I think people need a bit more hand holding at some places in their lives as they learn new skills. So whereas I see less reason to meet f2f, I also see a place for it. I would love a chance to really sit and chat (on a beach with an umbrella drink) with Sue Waters from Australia, or Joanne McMahon from Alberta, Canada because our connections have felt more personal.
As usual, thanks for asking.
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Stephen Ransom Reply:
July 26th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
@poulingail, Thanks for sharing your perspective on this, Gail. Have you experienced times where you have not received the desired response from your PLN? Are there individuals within the list of folks you consider your PLN that you wish would be more responsive? Just digging here…
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poulingail Reply:
July 26th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
@Stephen Ransom,
Of course their are always times when my call for advice, help, any response has gone unanswered and it can be demoralizing except that I keep in mind my PLN is on Twitter and in blog feeds. It is occasionally synchronous but more often not (Elluminate.) I am learning more about how an online PLN works and it is more comfortable for me all the time. Six months ago, I wouldn’t have commented on blogs the way I do at present. I have grown into it in the company of, and with the example of, my PLN. That’s important there. My PLN is showing me how it’s done. Some folks are so easy to follow their lead. Sue Waters can make you laugh, teach you a critical skill in baby steps, and give feedback on what they see with real panache. She makes developing a PLN easy. Taking a giant step into the blogging of the big boys still scares me a bit so my forays there have been few. Surprisingly, the big guys can sometimes find a word or two in response and that is a morale booster. It helps me move on to the next level of the whole PLN experience. It’s a living thing, as long as I want to participate.
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Stephen Ransom Reply:
July 26th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
@Gail, thanks for the insights. It is good to hear your progression toward a supportive and vibrant PLN. My students feel the same way when I introduce them to the notion, but the bigger hurdle for many of them is comprehending that anyone WOULD respond. The cultivating of a reciprocal PLN takes much desire and dedication, something they struggle with in terms of payoff. They are still so used to learning in isolation and being “fed” information. I suppose there are two levels of PLN: the one-way, ‘get fed’ network and the 2-way reciprocal give & take network. Both are certainly of value. I wonder if the former must develop before the latter can flourish…
July 26th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
One of my favorite framework’s is still Derek’s Four C’s of Online Participation.
Poor Derek may now be blushing (but he knows I’ve always liked it) — while he wrote about it back in 2006 I still believe it explains a lot about the journey that people take as they progress online.
So Derek now with all the talk about PLNs – how might you blend the 4 C’s with PLN’s?
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September 13th, 2009 at 11:48 am
As a relatively new blogger and user of social networking tools, I so appreciated your post, Steve. I do find that establishing a PLN is hard work, and few people acknowledge this as they encourage others to dive in. The thread of commentary here has me thinking a great deal about why that might be. I think purpose and expectations influence our perception of difficulty, as many here have suggested. I also find that my own journey DOES mirror Derek’s Four C’s framework–thanks to @suewaters for sharing that!
Understanding that there is an ebb and flow to our online relationships and that at times, we may find ourselves connecting with some more than others is reassuring. I spent the summer off line more than on, and upon my return, I feared that I wouldn’t be responded to as well or included as often as I was. Not the case at all, with most members of my network….and this didn’t surprise me. Those were the people that I took the most time to get to know and to support myself in the past, when they had questions or called for help of some kind.
Like @poulingail, I’m realizing that my PLN sets an example for me around how I might participate better, in order to develop richer connections and learn even more. This is why I’m stepping away from Twitter just a bit and spending more time responding to posts like yours. I sometimes wonder if Twitter encourages us to share tools more often than establishing deeper connections with people. It’s been suggested to me that a great network can be established solely through the use of Twitter. Wondering what your thoughts are there…I’m thinking it can’t be…..but the hard work you refer to and the time factor that always rears its ugly head makes it tempting to want to think so.
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September 13th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience on this, Angela. Personally, I don’t think the types of relationships we are talking about here can be cultivated and sustained only through micro-communication tools like Twitter. Twitter, of course, has the advantage of really making one feel “in the know” or “in the loop”, as so many great resources and opportunities are shared there. I fear that perhaps too many are, as you point out for yourself, spending too much time there while neglecting more substantive ideas (and relationships) that are often cultivated in other places, like blogs, Nings, etc. I know I have found myself at times neglecting those areas for the sake of Twitter and am continually seeking a healthier balance between “snacks” and “meals”, if I can use those metaphors. Snacks (lets limit them to the high calorie, usually high fat kind) are often very tasty, tempting, and fulfilling… but only in the short term. They don’t sustain us within the larger framework of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
So glad to hear your network welcomed you back in with open arms. We usually miss those who enrich our own learning
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September 13th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Now that I am back teaching school and a bit short on extra time I find I am following the blogs in my Google Reader on a regular basis and only dropping by Twitter every few days but contributing little there. Classroom teachers just don’t have spare minutes during the day (read ’til after 5 or so) and then we have the usual family, exercise, meal prep duties. So when I get up in the morning to enjoy coffee, it’s time for the blogs in my Reader. I think Twitter played a huge part in developing my blog collection (from about 12 to maybe 60) over the course of the summer months. That’s more than enough reading. And what’s interesting as well is some of those blogs have Twitter highlights from the previous week. The sad part is that some folks who have added me as follows on Twitter aren’t hearing from me so I’m not carrying my weight there.
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September 13th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Thanks for the important “reality check”, Gail. Dedicated classroom teachers don’t waste a minute during the day… and there is the rest of life when you leave the building. Perhaps you can do a tweet-a-day just to let your PLN know that you still have your nose above water
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