Chapter 6 Summary and Ideas

Personal Learning Networks is something that has been around for as early as the 19902, and probably even a bit earlier than that if we think about it. This kind of learning method puts the user on a search for people to connect and learn with. It is all up to the user to be able to find the right people to network with. It is also up to the user to be of use to the other person as well, sorta of give and take if you will. For example in chapter 6 "our stories" Ralph Waldo Emerson shares an interesting and funny story about his experience with personal learning networks. He states "The potential for your network to help you learn lies in its diversity, the quality of relationships, your ability to filter well, and your willingness to give as well as take." I could not agree more with Ralph, everyones own personal learning networks all depend on the individuals ability to connect, filter, give, and take.

In my future career as a computer scientist or graphic designer, I will 100% be utilizing this learning method. As stated in the book, the world is always changing. Always evolving into something more, especially when it comes to technology. I feel like for me working with the computer, I will always need to be up to date and always learning more to succeed in my career. What better way to do both of those things than to build myself a diverse and intellectual network of people who are also aiming at the same career as me, and utilizing them to learn more about my career. It is very easy to learn on your own and forget it later because it was such an insignificant experience. But to learn from someone else and create a connection with them, will last a lifetime. No one can do everything by themselves, two brains are always better than one. 

What do you guys think about this learning method? 

Nussbaum-Beach, Sheryl, and Lani Ritter Hall. The Connected Educator Learning and Leading in a Digital Age. Solution Tree Press, 2012.