Blog #4 Chapter 3 - Dugan

     Chapter three of "The Connected Educator" by Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, the author talks about PLNs or Personal learning networks. She explains the concept, the importance, how to create one, and the role the PLNs play in education. A PLN is essential an online group of connected people in the same career. These people can make friends or relationships through these groups and learn and teach others with allows their careers to flourish. This is important because not every career gains the professional development they need through their given resources so PLNs allow them to reach out and gain their own knowledge through others who have more experience in the field. Or who have been in similar situations. This allows for more growth than someone who is not a part of a PLN. 

    The author also emphasizes the importance of technology in the current age. Only a few decades ago professionals had less opportunities to expand their career knowledge simply on the fact that they didn't have technology or online groups to expand themselves. Now it's as easy as using social media to connect with others and have online chats and groups to discuss topics. To create an online network all people need to do now is join a forum or community and start typing or having video calls with people on the other side of the country. The author also indicates that after creating a PLN it is important to sustain it and keep it alive. If you just create it and use it once you will not gain the benefits of it. You need to be an active member and contribute to others and learn from others. 

    I can use this info in a future career in law enforcement because professional development and continued learning will make my career excel. In order to stand out as an officer you need to have knowledge and experience, a college degree helps but also knowing what to do in various situations does as well. The best way to do that is to learn from other officers who have been in that situation or have more experience than you. This allows you to do your job right and efficiently. Another benefit of a PLN in a law enforcement career is being able to reach out to officers in other agencies for help with certain problems and/or cases.