Module 5 – Examining Professional Contexts → The Personal Learning Network

Part 1 - Reflect

For this module, I feel the need to look back into my past and remember what I did when I was actively working in the field of public relations and communications. The first thing that deserves mentioning because it puts things in perspective and gives us a sense of how things have evolved, is that when I started to work in the early eighties there were no computers and, of course, no internet. I was working for a multinational American company then, and 2 or 3 years into that job, we finally got one computer to be shared and used by appointment only! At the time, I recall the rolodex and a paper calendar being important and useful tools to remember and keep track of events and things in general. Later on, towards the late eighties, early nineties, we more or less all worked with computers, but it took some time before the internet could be considered an exciting, enriching and reliable tool. I lived through the different stages that led up to what we know today: from the dark ages of the typewriter, telex and fax to the web 3.0, each phase forward enabling the progressive bridging of the gap between, say, a company and its clients. Today with the web 3.0 it is a totally different ball game and as the Italian version of the Marketing Freaks website states: “[the web 3.0 is] a mechanism of fusion of the poles: [there] no longer are two distinct poles (artist-fan, company-consumer, politician-voter) that dialogue independently of the other. The two poles have merged and constitute a single flow of continuous co-creation.” Now this is cutting-edge innovation, especially considering that the web 3.0 is still in full evolution and transforming our lives.

Given the above, I would say that my way of learning about new developments, ideas, and opportunities in the last twenty or so years of work was a sort of hybrid endeavour, always with one foot anchored in society’s past and one pointing towards the future. For probing information on what was happening in the fields of communications and museology, I remember spending hours perusing trade magazines. It is possibly since the beginning of the 21st century that I have begun to very actively consult the web for whatever I needed to know, learn, discover. Today, I peruse the digital versions of several newspapers everyday to get information and different points of view from Canada, Italy, Great Britain and the U.S. I have subscribed to a number of mailing lists from each of these media and receive notification on the subjects that still concern me today: education, travel, contemporary art, literature, society, Italian politics, the European Union, and so on. 

In my current life, I don’t need to share all that much, although I do so whenever I know that the information or material that I have found has a particular interest for someone that I know or love. In my past, however, I would mostly share with the members of my team and with colleagues either in my institution or from other museums. I love people so sharing, informing, and communicating has never been difficult for me. To be perfectly honest, I am not fond of the social media. I do browse (is that the term we use today?) through Instagram, and Pinterest and I enjoy YouTube that I find a most powerful tool, but I do not like to comment or subscribe to channels. To be even more honest, social media makes me anxious, especially when following people that I know, which I have cogently chosen not to do, for reasons that seem clear.

Before detailing how I crafted my Personal Learning Network (PLN), I would like to spend a few words on how I networked during my career. My main means of connecting was through oral communication via telephone or Skype and the most enriching connections occurred when I would actually meet and sit down to discuss issues, thoughts or strategies with colleagues, staff, media, artists, diplomats, etc. I used to say, “I don’t need to have the vastest rolodex (this dates me) with tons of contacts, but I do need to have best possible contacts who, in a moment of need, will refer me to their own network.” And it so worked as I had hoped it would and I must say that this kindness/empathy shown to me by my network were no doubt due to the relationships that were developed through time. Building relationships, like building a PLN, takes time; but in the end it is worth gold. It was all kept within a human perspective and range. And, of course, ever since computers were all the rage, I have been using them to communicate and exchange on a daily basis either through emails, letters, general texts, reports, or presentations. 

What is happening today by way of networking and communicating is both scary and fascinating. But I do look forward to building my PLN. In fact, I’ve already begun my research and have discovered fabulous connections. Little did I know there was so much around. More to come…

Part 2 - Connect

When reading about this exercise with PLNs, I immediately pulled out my Armour for Resistance. This was going to be a challenge, something against my grain. Where was I going to find these resources? Did I have any resources of my own? And then, I began my research and as Fr Matthew mentioned in this week’s video, this thing gets contagious as you move along and find websites, blogs, posts, books, etc. that spark your curiosity or that present information in a very palatable manner. When I finally felt calmer about the whole thing, I recalled that I did and do have resources of my own, resources that are of interest to me because they inform me on what is happening in the world of education here in Italy where I live. 

Premise: The book La scuola bloccata, (The Blocked School), (see below), is the cornerstone of the edifice I have been constructing since the beginning of my PME program.

“Today in Italy one out of two students does not achieve an adequate level of skills at the end of their studies. The school system continues to be riddled with profound territorial, social and gender inequalities. School requires substantial changes in what is taught, how it is taught and who teaches it. Why is it so difficult to innovate?” (Gavosto, 2022)

Below, I will list the ten resources or connections that I have found and, for obvious reasons, I will comment on those resources that are relative to the Italian landscape and that are initially posted/written in Italian.

1.

La scuola bloccata (The Blocked School), Andrea Gavosto, published in April 2022 & Agnelli Foundation

Economist Andrea Gavosto is the director of the Agnelli Foundation since 2008 and, under his stewardship, the foundation has focused its research and publication activities on the school and university systems in Italy. His contribution to the larger educational narrative in Italy is fundamental and since the publication in 2022 of La scuola bloccata – literally The Blocked School – I have been following the work of the Agnelli Foundation with great interest as it allows me to gain perspective on Italian society. The book itself and the research published by the foundation have allowed me to learn about and understand why the Italian school system is so deficient and why, still today, Italians in general do not value education. I have learned, that Italians’ negative rapport with education has very serious repercussions on Italian society as a whole. Let it be said: the Italian economy has been principally built on small family-run businesses that are content with engaging their own children who deplorably do not have the instruction to properly perform the work or plan for future growth. This in turn creates a situation whereby competitiveness, technical excellence and economic development are often compromised and, in some cases, completely overlooked (Gavosto, 2022, p. 4).

La scuola bloccata, for me, is the foundation upon which I have based my research and nurtured my ideas for this PME program. It is also the reason why I feel I too must contribute to this society’s prosperity and well-being by promoting a new and innovative school system that, by dispensing authentic learning, will engender engaged young citizens who, through their knowledge of the social, economic and political spheres, will feel empowered to play a part in the processes and decisions that regard their society.

I hope to meet Gavosto. It’s been part of my plan since day 1. This is the kind of thing I – the PR freak – love to work on. Slowly, gradually knitting relationships as I have done in the past, in life and on the job.

2.

La fisica che ci piace (The physics that we like) YouTube, website, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, Telegram, Spotify  

https://www.lafisicachecipiace.com/

Vincenzo Schettini, creator of La fisica che ci piace, studied music at the conservatory in the Puglia region and studied physics at the University of Bari. After graduating, he began teaching physics in local high schools and it is while teaching that he discovered how art and science – his two passions – could be merged to transform an anonymous physics lesson into real entertainment. This is how the “The physics that we like” came to life in 2015. It started out as a YouTube channel and then, garnering success after success, Vincenzo made it on all other platforms. In his “performances” Schettini demonstrates and comments physics experiments but he also remarks on all sorts of areas ranging from mental health issues  in youngsters, to the San Remo music festival that recently took place, all the way up to topics such as the importance of learning the English language, nutrition and cooking, ChatGPT, work & school, LGBTQ+, the climate crisis and so forth. Vincenzo is fabulous and an incontestable motivator. His success on the different platforms led RAI TV, the Italian national public television, to devote a program to this man’s passions and teachings. The show is called La fisica dell’amore (The physics of love) and, although not aired on a regular basis, it is crowned with success. Vincenzo has written books based on his experiments and is now touring Italy’s regions with special performances. 

I truly appreciate Vincenzo’s optimism and energy. His talks nourish me by revealing what goes on in an Italian classroom and he is someone I sometimes wish I could emulate for his knowledge, verve, and passion. He is a constant source of inspiration, as he always touches upon a vast variety of cutting-edge themes and subjects. Vincenzo has also openly discussed his homosexuality, something still taboo in Italy.

I hope to meet Vincenzo after my program. 

3.

Intercultura, website & newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube

https://www.intercultura.it/

Founded in 1955, Intercultura is an Italian non-profit organization run by volunteers who design, organize, and oversee international school exchanges and experiences for middle and high school students, therefore students ranging from 12 to 19 years of age. These experiences, I am told – and I have no difficulty believing – are life changing, as students head out into a new world to discover not only new educational models but also a new culture, language, and tradition. I am very impressed by this program that has existed and been managed for close to 70 years by volunteers who are dedicated to students and their learning. 

Intercultura is part of my PLN because it goes beyond teaching subjects. It gives youngsters the possibility of learning about life in a way that is different to what they are used to. It shows students what it means to be a global citizen and to be part of a vaster, more diverse world. I also appreciate Intercultura, because it prepares and invites the young students who travel abroad to also become volunteers who will in turn inform and inspire other students. For me, Intercultura always remains an option for students’ holistic growth.

4. 

Orizzonte Scuola Notizie, (Horizon School News) website & newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube

https://www.orizzontescuola.it

Orizzonte Scuola Notizie (OSN) is a comprehensive instrument for the broadcast/publication of information, issues and insights regarding schools. The topics range from information on ministerial decrees right up to what is happening in the classroom. OSN is intended for anyone in the teaching corps including school authorities, class teachers, substitute teachers, advanced teaching assistants (ATAs) and so forth. OSN offers live broadcasts on current issues, interviews with personalities from the world of education, video guides and in-depth analysis curated by the editorial staff. 

On March 5, there is a free lesson on AI and how it can transform teaching and support teachers’ work. I have signed up, as I realize I need to remove my Armour for Resistance with regards to AI, amongst other things. I feel I must apologize for having been so negative in my comments to classmate Ryan Wiggers, who summarized an article on the uses of AI in education. 

This tool allows me to find and find out, in one single place, all that is happening in the world of education in Italy. It is extremely important that I keep up with the evolution of the educational context in this country.

5. MY NEW AND JOYFUL DISCOVERY

Tuttoscuola (Everything School) magazine, website & newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube

https://www.tuttoscuola.com/

Founded in 1975 for the intention of teachers, school administrators, non-teaching staff, students, and parents, Tuttoscuola is the most accredited magazine/portal specialized in the educational sector. It can be seen as a very comprehensive resource that provides information, training, accompaniment, consultancy, and research. As they state on their welcome page, they approach the world of education “at 360 degrees from nursery school to university, from school policy to teaching, from parents' concerns to children's aspirations, from state to private schools to professional education and training.” And I will give them top grades for having a visible mission statement (to contribute to raising the qualitative level of the school and thus provide new generations with a sound education as well as opportunities for cultural and personal growth) and for the look and feel of their portal. Tuttoscuola is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education for the training of school staff. 

As with Orizzonte Scuola Notizie above, this platform will allow me to keep abreast of all the latest news and issues regarding the educational milieu. It will also offer me the possibility of following asynchronous professional development classes. I have just viewed a webinar on the return of grades in primary school that had me glued to my chair! 

Other resources already in my PLN:

2 friends and school teachers

Bruna (a retired teacher, is also an active volunteer for Intercultura for over 30 years)

Anna M. (currently a teacher for children with special needs)

Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MUR or MIUR)

https://www.mur.gov.it/it

Italian Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM)

https://www.mim.gov.it/

La Repubblica, education section / newspaper and online platform

The Guardian, education section / online platform

The New York Times, education section / online platform

 

New Entries in my PLN:

Having perused a number of American websites/platforms, I realize just how much substance resides by way of educational material in podcasts, blogs, webinars, conferences, and so forth that are readily available for teachers. Now, on the one hand, these tools are of great interest because they open my eyes to issues, situations, problems, and solutions, some of which I could never have envisaged. But, on the other hand, they don’t address the problems that are rampant here, in Italy. So, the context is missing, but the subject matter is topical and relevant probably no matter where we live on planet earth… or maybe is it only in the Western world? 

Five sites/platforms that I found interesting are:

6.

Shake Up Learning with Kasey Bell

https://shakeuplearning.com/

I was attracted to this site because of a podcast on Jonathan Haidt’s book titled The Anxious Generation – a situation that can be sadly recognized in young people today the world over. I also appreciate the fact that she organizes more thorough reviews of books through what she calls “book studies.”

7.

Education Week

https://www.edweek.org/

A resource that will keep me posted on what is happening on the other side of the Atlantic with the Trump adminstration. Featuring several articles on federal budget cuts in education in the US, the home page of Edweek today is alarming! This publication is my top choice within my 5 new entries. It’s more me and it’s very thorough.

8.

Discovery Education

https://www.discoveryeducation.com/

Extremely well done with categories such as classroom voices, education trends, innovative teaching ideas and timely resources. Ex-aequo with Education Week. Two great resources. 

9.

Mrs Alice Keeler

https://www.youtube.com/user/mrsalicekeeler/featured

Because in her welcome video she claims to emphasize 21st century skills, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creative thinking. Music to my ears. And I’m sure I’ll also learn a lot about Google Classroom and Google Docs that I sadly know nothing about.

10.

ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)

https://www.youtube.com/user/istevideos

Because I need to be more exposed to the use of technology in education. Surely, by exposing myself to the subject at hand I will hopefully give up pulling out my Armour for Resistance whenever technological innovation is concerned both in the classroom and as support for instructors. Last evening, before shutting my eyes, I found myself listening to a podcast from Kasey Bell’s Shake Up Learning platform. Her presentation dealt with teachers using AI because they are overwhelmed. She states how heavy a teacher’s load is with curriculum, meetings, grading, and administrative work. But I can only imagine what goes on in a classroom today and it’s my ignorance that does not allow me to properly evaluate the breadth of what a teacher must do in one day, one week, one school year.

 

Part 3 – Personal Learning Network Map

N.B. For a reason I cannot explain, my PLN map would not load onto the blog.

Part 3 – Reflection

N.B. Please note that I have reflected and commented throughout this exercise. Below you will find additional thoughts. 

I had no doubt that the mapping of my Personal Learning Network would be extremely useful in revealing the problems and gaps that are interlaced in this very precious tool. The very first thing that struck me is the direction of the arrows illustrating the flow of knowledge and know-how. All of the arrows, except for one, are unidirectional and they flow from a source towards me. That, for me, is a problem as this literally goes against my grain. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am a communications practitioner and communicating usually comes easily. But this time, something is amiss and I know full well where the problems lie: 1. I began this PME program with the sensation that I could not go out and connect with important people like Andrea Gavosto straight away. From the very beginning of this journey, I thought I would first obtain my PME to give me some credibility in the educational arena before heading out to establish contacts and 2. I did not believe it could be useful to participate in webinars, respond to blogs or even meet with someone from the local school. I thought my PME would suffice but now, I see that this sort of attitude goes against the whole concept of a PLN. As stated by author Dori Digeni in edublogs: “[t]he PLN consists of relationships between individuals where the goal is the enhancement of mutual learning.” There it is in a nutshell. Mutual learning is the key to this endeavour. So, there is clearly no exchange in my PLN and this is problematic, as one cannot expect to work alone without having allies and colleagues who can challenge and support one’s thinking and actions. 

Now, is it wrong to wait and feel more confident before engaging in the creation of a sound web? I am not sure, but one thing is certain: I need to augment my “connections with real people;” I need to start knocking on doors in the region to see how I can lend a hand and be useful to the community. As I write this paragraph and mention the word “region” I realize that this is another important connection that I need to make: the Veneto Region’s education bureau. If anything, this is one place I could show my interest and this could be the place where I could learn the ropes. 

As for the strengths of this map, I would say that I am still quite happy with my 4 or 5 initial PLN elements, although I realize that I need to continue building on this network by 1. adding real people to my resources/ connections and 2. transforming the unidirectional arrows into bidirectional arrows allowing for a two-way communication. As a final point, this exercise has enabled me to understand that anyone can have agency today; anyone can write to the editor of a newspaper or to a specific journalist, respond to a blog, comment on videos, webinars, etc.  It’s all more democratic, more social. 

I am nearing the end of my program and at that point, excuses will no longer be allowed. 

No more Armour for Resistance.

Part 4 - End of assignment reflection

As I mentioned early on in this module, the thought of building a Personal Learning Network initially put me in a panic, but when I finally decided to concretely begin my research, I felt comforted by the sheer number of resources that are readily available, so much so that it is/was difficult to make illuminated choices. I say “illuminated” because in the time devoted to this research it is/was difficult to say if the resource will bring in the benefits that I hope for in terms of knowledge and insight. Only in the long run will I know for sure if I made a wise choice, but the good news is that a PLN is infinitely adaptable. 

While performing this research, one of the most fascinating findings was to learn all that Pinterest and Instagram can contain in terms of resources and documentation. I had never really gone beyond the mosaic of images showing cute animals, handmade ceramics, and chair yoga for women over 60. This time, I applied myself to call up precise information on teaching, learning, innovation in teaching, and so forth. And this evening, the Pinterest algorithm has finally awarded me with a first suggestion related to education: 23 REAL tips for substitute teachers! So, I have finally understood the potential that lies behind the social media. This, however, does not mean that I am completely sold, because social media do remain addictive beneath their very innocuous exterior. What I have also learned – and this, I believe, is an important lesson – is that these platforms, tools and resources can really support teachers in their day-to-day work. I cannot be skeptical about this. A good number of podcasts that I have listened to deplore teachers’ ever-increasing workload. 

My greatest discovery is that life-long learning and professional development is at my fingertips and it does not need to be costly. All one must do is search, collect content, develop new knowledge by using different technologies and – through trial and error – constitute a very personal web of resources both virtual and authentic. However, to reiterate a concept: exchange, communication, and connection with the outside or virtual world is fundamental, because many times it is when we articulate our thoughts either in writing or verbally that our ideas and opinions crystallize. It is also when we dialogue with someone or when we comment respectfully on an article or a blog that we can grow in knowledge and as a human being. This lesson is about sharing, exchanging, collaborating, building connection, and mutual learning. 

The rolodex of the 80s is officially destined for the recycling bin. Evviva (long live) the Personal Learning Network that can be taken along wherever we journey on this planet and beyond.

REFERENCES

Bell, K. (2019, April 12). 30+ youtube channels for teachers. Shake Up Learning. https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/20-youtube-channels-for-educators/

Digital Learning Platform & Resources. Discovery Education. (2025, February 20). https://www.discoveryeducation.com/ 

Fortunato, E. (Ed.). (n.d.). Orizzonte Scuola Notizie - la scuola in UN Click. https://www.orizzontescuola.it/ 

Gavosto, A. (2022). La scuola bloccata. Editori Laterza.

Intercultura. (n.d.). Intercultura - Incontri che cambiano il mondo. https://www.intercultura.it. https://www.intercultura.it/

International Society for Technology in Education. (n.d.). ISTE. https://www.youtube.com/user/istevideos 

K-12 Education News and information. Education Week. (2025, February 20). https://www.edweek.org/ 

Keeler, A. (n.d.). Alice Keeler. Mrs Alice Keeler. https://www.youtube.com/user/mrsalicekeeler/featured 

The Teacher Challenge. (2021). Building Your PLN. https://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/creating-a-pln/

Schettini, V. (2024, October 26). La Fisica Che Ci Piace. https://www.lafisicachecipiace.com/ 

Urso, M., & Castrovinci, B. L. (n.d.). Da Quarant’Anni l’informazione Educativa. Tuttoscuola. https://www.tuttoscuola.com/ 

Web 1.0 web 2.0 e web 3.0: Spiegazioni E differenze. Marketing Freaks. (n.d.-a). https://www.themarketingfreaks.com/2014/02/web-1-0-web-2-0-e-web-3-0/

What is a PLN - Marc-André Lalande’s take - YouTube (p. 1:40). (1820, December). [Video]. DevPro PD Flipped. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLLpWqp-owo