Connections Matter

Personal Learning Network (PLN) Amidst the Pandemic

Abstract

Library and Information Science (LIS) education has shifted and continued to transform as a growing organism, especially with the emergence of Web 2.0. In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted face-to-face classes to online. Most of the colleges of the University of the Philippines Diliman adopted a remote learning education. One of these colleges is the School of Library and Information Studies (UP SLIS).  The faculty members of UP SLIS were driven by their changing roles to quickly adapt to remote teaching. As LIS educators, they have utilized Web 2.0 for their classes while they sought online collaboration for their own professional development.

This study analyzed the UP SLIS Faculty members and their trends as connected educators during the pandemic. Specifically, the tools used, how they managed them, and their motivations to build their Personal Learning Network (PLN).  Using a survey questionnaire, the data collected were analyzed to answer the research problems. 

The results of the study found an increased trend of utilization of social media tools, participation, and collaboration in the national and international fields of LIS during the pandemic, which not only benefits the development of the academic but also the professional life of the UP SLIS Faculty members as part of their PLN.