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Personal Learning Networks

While this blog aims to explain how to use instructional design to enhance your teaching, we will dive into the world of  Personal Learning Networks or PLNs.  A personal learning network is all the communities and platforms you use to explore your learning. There are so many networking sites available to educators, but today I am going to share my personal learning network for my hobby. When we teach students, we get so focused on teaching what the standards are, we sometimes forget that our students are whole human beings with interests and knowledge bases outside of what we might deem "school-worthy." However, being able to explore one's own interests and knowing how to do so safely is an incredibly important skill. 

When I'm not being an educator, I love to explore my artistic side and create beauty with papercraft. In the chart below, you can see how I've used social media to increase my learning network. This is just a small portion of what I use to connect and learn from others in my craft.

In the future, I hope to expand my network to include more design teams like the one from Unity Stamp Company, create a TikTok presence as a creator of technique and instruction videos, and learn how to build my brand from other professionals in the crafting field. 

I recommend giving yourself the chance to explore what networking opportunities are available to you. You would not believe the wealth of information available from both amateurs and professionals alike that you can use to enhance your knowledge and practice in your hobbies and career.


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