What is PLN?

A Personal Learning Network (PLN) consists of people, communities, or digital connections that support your learning and professional development. For me, Instagram and TikTok are essential parts of my PLN because of their quick, accessible, and visual content tailored for educators.

PLN in Practice: Instagram and TikTok 

Instagram and TikTok are two of my favourite tools for fast, visual learning. I follow several teacher accounts that post:

  • Engaging classroom games and PE game

The Claw Primary PE game explained in 30 seconds.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kev Weir | PE and Coaching (@just.playsports)

  • Behaviour management strategies 

Classroom managment strategy using refocus and celebration board.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Karen | Classroom Management Tools (@theclassroomcues)

  • Quick tips on UDL-aligned lesson planning

Instagram post below on UDL tips:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLVe9Biykcr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=aHNuc3d0dDR0ZHVz

What I love about these platforms is the bite-sized format, whether it’s a post, a 30-second reel, or a TikTok video. This kind of content sparks new ideas I can apply in my UVic BEd courses or during my practicum placements.

Universal Design for Learning 

A Chalk on a Black and Blue Surface

Inclusion means teaching to the diversity in our classrooms, not trying to eliminate it or treat it as a barrier.

If we look at inclusion as a concept of teaching to the diversity of all, rather than just a special education initiative, we can bridge this gap. We are diverse.”

Shelley Moore 

This quote highlights that inclusion isn’t about uniformity but about appreciating our differences. Moore (2016), in One Without the Other: Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion, talks about inclusion involving recognizing and embracing individual distinctions. The image below demonstrates this idea: each dot inside the circle is unique, with its own pattern or texture, yet all are part of the same community. By acknowledging and valuing our differences, we foster unity rather than division through diversity.

Based on Shelley Moore, One Without the Other (2016)

UDL Principles and Inclusive Digital Learning Spaces

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supports the same goal of fostering inclusivity. When we apply UDL principles to both teaching and our digital environments, we make learning and professional development more accessible and equitable.

  • Multiple Means of Engagement: I follow creators who share learning in different formats infographics, reels, threads, and podcasts. This keeps me engaged and supports different learning preferences.
  • Multiple Means of Representation: I value PLN members who present ideas in culturally responsive ways, use visual supports, or share multilingual content. This mirrors how I want to represent knowledge for students using diverse, inclusive materials.
  • Multiple Means of Action & Expression: Within my PLN, I contribute by posting visuals, commenting, resources, and using blogs to reflect.
Universal-Design-for-Learning-UDLDownload

Being aware of UDL principles as I engage in digital learning spaces helps me create content that is inclusive and authentically represents who I am.