A line in Richardson’s book has resonated with me over the past several days.  In Chapter 3: Becoming a Networked Learner, he says, “Once we start connecting, it’s all about the quality of the connections you make, not the quantity” (p.35). He goes on to discuss the importance of being selective as we develop our PLNs ; he also talks about the need to connect with people who offer diverse perspectives and from different “nodes” (A term often used by George Siemens’ with respect to Connectivism which I will be speaking of in my upcoming Commentary).

This line has stuck with me and I have spent the last few days reflecting on who and what to include in my PLN. I am not looking to create a network so vast that it renders me debilitated. I know I do not want to become so overwhelmed by a PLN that consumes or buries me in trying to “keep up”.  That said, I have narrowed down the focus areas or areas of passion that I will become the framework of my PLN.

1. Alternative education. First and foremost, my identity as a teacher is grounded in my practice, and for the past 15+ years, despite stints in other areas, I am, and continue to be, a high school alternative school educator.

2. Personalized learning, situated learning, active learning – learning theories and models to make learning meaningful for my students.

3. Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence, Self-regulation, etc. These areas of study are imperative in my day-to-day teaching.

4. Current events in education – locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. I think it is imperative to be aware of what is happening in the field of education around the world.

5. Free educational technology tools that can enhance the teaching and learning landscape.

These five  areas will be the basis from which I will begin to build my PLN. I will start to seek out people that I can believe and people I can trust in these fields. As Richardson states, “If you have the ability to grow your connections by choosing trustworthy and believable people to interact with  in the first place, that network can  help you edit and vet the new connections you make” (p. 27).