Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Chapter 6: Building Your Connected Learning Community

Chapter 6 of The Connected Educator focuses on the process of creating a personal learning network (PLN) to increase professional growth and collaboration. The chapter provides guidance on how to effectively establish connections that promote learning, communication, and professional development. The textbook states, “Personal learning networks help you leverage deeper connections and relationships, and from those networked relationships, you grow a community of connected learners and leaders” (Nussbaum-Beach / Ritter Hall pg. 92). I really liked this quote because it shows that PLNs are super collaborative.  As educators create relationships in a PLN, they are not just listeners or learners, but active contributors. Everyone in a PLN helps to build and sustain a learning community. This community is always changing, as our society is always changing. 


This chapter also relates to my future career of graphic design in many ways. For example, the chapter emphasizes the importance of building a personal learning network. Just as educators connect with peers and experts to grow professionally, designers can benefit from networking with other creatives, mentors, and industry professionals as well. These networked relationships can provide valuable feedback, inspiration, and even job opportunities. By joining online or local design communities, graphic designers can collaborate on projects, share resources, and support one another's growth, the same way an educator would. 



In conclusion, Chapter 6 of The Connected Educator emphasizes the value of building a personal learning network (PLN), which is equally important for aspiring graphic designers. By connecting with other designers, mentors, and industry professionals, graphic designers can enhance their skills, collaborate, and access career opportunities. Engaging in the community and using online platforms helps to stay current, share expertise, and grow professionally. Just like educators, graphic designers can benefit from a strong, connected network to support their learning and career success. How would the chapter relate to your aspiring profession?

3 comments:

  1. Hi, I like how you mentioned the importance of building a personal learning network in graphic design. I think graphic designers can get really great work done through collaborations or learning new techniques from peers online. I think having a strong online person network can help in finding work and growing your career like you mentioned. You'd be surprised the kind of opportunities that can arise from these networks.

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  2. You’ve made some fantastic connections between the chapter and your future career in graphic design! I love how you highlighted the collaborative nature of PLNs. It’s true that everyone involved contributes to the community, making it a dynamic and evolving space for learning and growth.  For aspiring graphic designers, networking is essential, as it opens up avenues for feedback and collaboration that can be incredibly enriching. Joining design communities, whether online or local, is a great strategy for gaining insights and inspiration, much like educators benefit from their own networks.

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  3. I think the mentioning of not only using these groups of other graphic designers as a network, but also as a way to get feedback on your work is something really important that you pointed out. I'm gonna be going into the art field as well, so being able to share my work with other artists and to be able to get their opinions on it is the best and easiest way to grow in my own abilities. I'm certain the same could apply for anyone.

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