Using Tools to Support Connected Learning: From the Connected Educator chapter 5

     In Chapter 5 of The Connected Educator, the focus is on creating and nurturing a personal learning network (PLN) that helps individuals stay connected, learn, and grow through shared knowledge and collaboration. The author emphasizes the importance of a diverse network of peers, mentors, and experts across various fields. Building this network allows for continuous professional development and access to fresh ideas and perspectives that keep you informed and engaged.

     In my future career as a nurse, the principles of Chapter 5 are particularly relevant. Nursing is an ever-evolving field where continuous learning and adaptation are essential. The medical world changes rapidly with advances in technology, new treatment protocols, and emerging healthcare challenges. A well-built PLN can help nurses stay current by connecting them with experts in areas like patient care, clinical innovations, and healthcare policy. For example, networking with specialists in wound care or chronic disease management can offer insights that directly improve patient outcomes in day-to-day practice.

Additionally, fostering professional relationships through a PLN can aid in problem-solving. In nursing, collaboration with peers is crucial, whether it’s solving an immediate patient care issue or discussing broader healthcare topics like patient safety or ethical dilemmas. Having a network that spans various roles, from doctors to healthcare administrators, creates a resourceful environment where you can draw knowledge from diverse experiences, much like the concept of PLN discussed in the chapter.

The chapter also encourages embracing online platforms and social media for networking. For a nurse, platforms like LinkedIn or even professional groups on Facebook offer spaces to share resources, ask questions, and engage in discussions that enhance professional growth. A digital PLN means that nurses can participate in global conversations on best practices, innovations, or healthcare policies, expanding their perspectives beyond the walls of their workplace.

What stood out to me most from this chapter is the focus on the importance of reciprocity in networking. It’s not just about what you can take from the network, but what you can contribute. In nursing, this translates into sharing your own experiences, whether it’s a success in patient care or a lesson learned from a challenging case. By contributing, you also reinforce your own learning and become a valuable member of the healthcare community, which is essential for long-term career growth.

As I reflect on how to apply these concepts to nursing, I can see the long-term benefits of developing a strong PLN early in my career. Building meaningful relationships with others in healthcare can lead to better patient outcomes, greater job satisfaction, and opportunities for leadership and mentoring. In today’s connected world, the chance to learn from and contribute to a global community of healthcare professionals can enhance the quality of care provided to patients.

Question for readers: How do you think building a personal learning network can impact your ability to grow in your field, whether in nursing or another profession?

Reference: Nussbaum-Beach, S., & Hall, L. R. (2012). The Connected Educator: Learning and Leading in a Digital Age. Solution Tree Press.