A Personalized Learning Network (PLN) is a beneficial tool for expanding knowledge in topics that you are interested in. Making a space that is tailored to your interests, you can engage with content resources and communities that support your personal growth. With social media platforms such as Reddit and Instagram, you can have accessible spaces to customize your learning journey. For me, a successful PLN has a mix of accessibility, personalized content, and active engagement. Inclusivity is also extremely important in your PLN. For it to be inclusive it is important to consider the principles of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This way you can ensure that your is accessible for all. 

PLN Spaces Through Social Media

A personal learning network is extremely beneficial for growing your knowledge of what you are interested in. Places such as Reddit, Instagram, etc. can be used to customize your learning as you see fit. For me, my personalized learning network has to have a combination of a few things. 

  1. A PLN needs to be accessible. Personally, my PLN spaces are condensed information so it is easily accessible. For example, TikTok videos do a great job of this. 
  2. Personalized content and resources. A PLN needs to have content that is tailored to my goals and interests. 
  3. Active engagement. It is important to have PLN communities that are active in supporting. I use active subreddit communities for any questions I may have or information I am looking for.

I have found that when engaging with experts, communities, and resources that align with my interests I enhance my knowledge. By connecting with experts I have access to deep knowledge that would not normally be available to me. This also helps me keep up to date with the tops I am interested in. It also gives me somewhat of a mentorship as I build connections. This is great for when I need hands-on advice. I also gain knowledge from diverse perspectives that help me think in different ways. It is extremely important to me to learn from people with all types of backgrounds as they all have something different and beneficial to share. The combination of these has made my PLN substantial in developing my personal goals.

Inclusivity and UDL in PLNs

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

To ensure that your PLN is inclusive you must consider the principles of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The UDL principles support inclusivity in digital spaces by providing us with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. “Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn” (Udloncampus, 2015). The UDL principles do this by 

  • Multiple Means of Engagement: Multiple means of engagement refers to the “why” of learning. This principle provides options for how learners engage with the content and how they remain motivated.
  • Multiple Means of Representation: Multiple means of representation refers to the “what” of learning. This provides learners with different ways to present information so that everyone can understand it.
  • Multiple Means of Action and Expression: Multiple means of Action and Expression refers to the “how” of learning. It allows learners to use their knowledge and skills in diverse ways. 

These principles design learning environments that are inclusive and cater to all types of learners, with the goal of creating “learners who are: purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, and strategic and goal-directed” (Udloncampus, 2015). With these principles, you can ensure that your PLN is inclusive.

Sources

https://udloncampus.cast.org/page/udl_about

https://personalizedlearningnetwork.ca/category/module-3-feb-3rd-feb-16th/