PLNs and PLEs ----- PLS?

PLN (Personal Learning Network)

Summary: PLN is a system that helps support a person's learning. Support can come from social networking sites and applications and contact with other people you're connected to.

Metaphor: Like a tree that branches out to different avenues and shows how each branch is connected to the main trunk of the tree.

Examples: Twitter, Facebook, Edmodo, Youtube, Blogs, Social Networks, Bookmarking sites like Diigo or Delicious, Teacherlingo, Atomic Learning, Hootesuite, Wikipedia, Conferences, Meetings at a Coffee shop or Lounge, Chat rooms, Staff/Department Meetings, Professional Developments, or any other medium where information is being shared.

PLE (Personal Learning Environment)

Summary: Any learning that takes place in your life.

Metaphor: Human brain absorbing and processing all the information it comes across.

Examples: Life experiences, our brain/memory, Five senses, Observations

Your feelings on the idea of a PLN and how it might be useful to teachers and students: 

The idea of a PLN can influence our learning experiences based on our interactions with other people, colleagues, and students. We are able to influence our student's PLN by giving them opportunities to learn, expand their curiosity, and building on positive choices and attitudes that they make. Providing students with different avenues to become active participants in their PLN will not only expand their connections with other people, but help them gain a broader understanding of any learning that is taking place.