So after a not so restful break I have started the 3rd semester of my MEd (TL) degree and to be honest it has been difficult to get the study brain back into gear. However, one does the best they can and I have started my modules for ETL523 – Digital Citizenship. I have been asked to define what a digital learning environment (DLE) is while also learning of the differences between a Personal learning network (PLN) and a personal learning environment (PLE). If I had to define a DLE simply, I would say it is everything you use while accessing digital resources. A PLE is my digital space that I do not necessarily share with others but when I do share, this becomes my PLN. My PLN and PLE both exist within the DLE.
In my everyday work setting my DLE includes things like Library management Software (Oliver), Emails, 365, GDrive, Canva, Student Management Software for marking attendance, tracking behaviour, etc. Canva was initially part of my PLE but I have now started sharing my designs and editing the designs of others, so it is now a tool that I use to access my PLN. A Facebook group specifically for NSW Teacher Librarians is a big part of my PLN as I regular share and receive support and ideas.
I think that as educators we need to embrace learning in the digital world if we have not done so already, both for ourselves and our students. In an earlier blog I discussed my idea of an ”inforoment” which basically means that we live in a world of information. That information is digital and it is accessible 24/7. This is the world our students were born into and it is all they know. Teaching students how to critically and ethically navigate the digital world while also making their own useful contributions is vitally important if we want students to grow into adults that are ‘good’ digital citizens.