Exploring My Universe: A Mindmap of my Personal Learning Network

A Professional Learning Network (PLN) centers the learning and sharing of new ideas between people (Common Sense Education, 2017). I created a “mind map” to visually display from whom and to where my learning has expanded over time. It’s nice to take a break from words. Instead, I allowed the images, and my reflections from them tell me their own stories.

kristen surla's PLN mindmap

image credit: Solar System [Visual graphic]. https://www.wallpaperflare.com

The first bridge from the center circle includes 5 green-colored “planets” that make up my PLN universe. Most of my planets are location-specific educational institutions or workplaces. However, 1 planet focuses on a salient social identity, being a Filipinx person from Chicago. This observation humbly reminded me that Filipinx identity is foundational to my learning. Although, I was saddened that my “planets” are mostly institution specific. Is it a weakness that I don’t define my first level PLNs by interest area? If I did this exercise again I think I’d get a very different result.

Beyond the green planets are blue circles which called “countries.” Many of the blue circles are organizations distinguished by common interests for membership. Within each country, I learned more about the skills, roles, and responsibilities of that organization. For example, my affiliation with the JCSHESA taught me about academic writing, peer review, and the journal submission process. Within each “planet” I gained increased connections represented by the purple circles which I refer to as “communities.”

For me, learning is community connection. As a Filipinx person, my cultural identity is rooted in fostering kapwa, or a sense of connection with others. The biggest strength of my mind map is represented through the purple circles. If studied closely, the purple circles all identify personal relationships. Words like “mentor,” “advisor,” “ate (sister)”, and “community” are abundant.

Please note: For my mind map, I used the application mural.co for the first time. Mural.co provided an exciting mindmapping template, but the functionality of the program was an adjustment for me. If I had more time and knowledge on Mural.co, the mind map below might look a bit different. Also, I recently finished watching Netflix’s Away, so I’m going to attempt to use a space-esque analogy to guide you through my PLN.

Citations:

Common Sense Education. (2017, July 21). What’s a PLN? And 3 ways teachers can get connected [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Ju54C5A3RCw