Event Information
Streaming Session
Recorded Session0–5 min: Welcome & framing; audience poll on PLN engagement.
5–15 min: The Why — Discussion on educator well-being and isolation, and what has happened since Twitter stopped existing as we knew it.
15–30 min: The How — Case studies on various PLNs (The Softer Life and EduMatch Connect).
30–50 min: The Future — Discussion on sustaining networks amid shifting policies, the decentralization of PLNs, the rise of AI, and rapid change.
50–60 min: Attendees map their current network ecosystems. Audience commitments shared via collaborative Padlet.
After this session, participants will be able to:
1. Reimagine PLNs as essential ecosystems for educator growth, wellness, and innovation.
2. Identify strategies to create or revive PLNs that emphasize belonging, reflection, and authentic collaboration.
3. Apply lessons from PLNs such as The Softer Life and EduMatch Connect to sustain connection and joy in their professional contexts.
4. Develop a personal plan to nurture or rebuild their PLN post-conference.
Wenger, E. (1998). Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity.
Darling-Hammond, L. et al. (2017). Effective Teacher Professional Development.
Thomas, S. J. (2017). Student-Created Videos as a Language Acquisition Strategy for a Haitian Learner (Chapter 5 section on PLN).
Thomas, S. J., et al. (2016-2025). # EduMatch: Snapshot in Education (2016-2025).
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