New teachers and educators
Starting a new school year and wanting to build a professional learning network from scratch
Use cases
About
The Personal Learning Network (PLN) mind map template by Xmind is a comprehensive guide for educators and lifelong learners to build and cultivate their own network of people and resources. With 119 nodes across one sheet, it covers the definition, components, and cultivation strategies for a PLN, including specific concepts like 'Conversation Connectors', 'Conversations Mining', and 'The Conduit (Sticky Content)'. The template explores how innovative educators learn through 'boundariless' and 'responsive' conversations, and outlines 'The Shifts' from classroom learning to network learning. It provides actionable steps for identifying teams, starting avenues, and reaching a 'Tipping Point' where PLNs go viral. This PLN cheat sheet is ideal for teachers, administrators, and self-directed learners seeking to leverage digital tools for professional growth.
Terms and ConditionsWhen to use this template
Experienced teachers and administrators
Feeling stagnant in professional growth and seeking fresh ideas and resources
Instructional coaches and professional development coordinators
Designing a workshop or faculty meeting to encourage collaborative learning
How to use this template
Step 1
Launch and Explore the Framework
Open the template in Xmind to review the core branches covering PLN definitions, components, and the shifts from classroom to network learning.
Step 2
Customize Your Network and Resources
Personalize the 'Cultivating Gardeners' and 'Conversation Connectors' sections by replacing the example nodes with your own team members, tools, and specific learning resources.
Step 3
Integrate Workflow and Share Results
Add custom notes to the conversation mining branches and export your finalized network as an image or PDF to share with your professional community.
Frequently asked questions
This Xmind template is a visual guide to building a PLN—a network of people and resources that help you learn and grow professionally. It covers definitions, components like conversation connectors and mining, and strategies for cultivating your network.
Start by exploring the 'Components of a PLN' to understand tools like RSS readers and social media. Then use the 'Cultivating Gardeners' section to identify team members and plan your avenue tracks, such as starting with blogging and aggregators.
Yes, the .xmind file is fully editable in Xmind desktop or web. You can customize nodes, add your own resources, and export it as an image or PDF for printing.
The template lists defining qualities: 'Personal', 'Spontaneous or Directed', and 'Connective'—with 'Sticky People' and 'Stick Content' as sub-elements. It emphasizes that PLNs are boundariless and responsive.
Follow the 'Cultivating Gardeners' steps: identify your teams by qualities like 'Innovative' and 'Self directed', start with 'Blogging' and 'Aggregator' avenues, then expand to social bookmarks and social media. Look for signs of a 'Tipping Point' like inviting new members.
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