PLONS: Professional Learning Online Network Spaces

The word plons in Dutch describes the noise made by something splashing into a surface and is thus an apt name for the Professional Learning Online Network Spaces, which are designed to create a ripple effect, by fostering linkages between language teaching, research and practice, and shared ideas and resources between educators.

These groups are intended for foreign language educators in middle school, high school, and college institutions. PLONS vary in length, with activities that take place over the course of a few months to a couple of years. PLONS have focused on the following topics:

• Bringing Ungrading to Language Teaching, led by Janice McGregor (University of Arizona) and Nicole Coleman (Wayne State University). This PLONS ran twice: first in 2024 for participants who already had experience in teaching with alternative forms of assessment; subsequently in 2025 for participants who were new to the concept.
• Multiliteracies Language Teaching in World Language Classrooms, led by Kristen Michelson (Texas Tech University) and Bruna Sommer-Farias (Michigan State University). 2025.
• Conceptualizing and Creating the Syllabus, led by Beatrice Dupuy (University of Arizona) and Elyse Petit (Santa Rosa Junior College). 2023.
• Global Literacy Communities: Gateways to Culture and Language, led by Kathleen G. Short and Dorea Kleker (University of Arizona). This PLONS ran multiple times over the course of several years, and included both online and in-person groups. In addition, it sometimes paired participants with educators across the US and internationally. 2019-2025.
• Foreign Languages, Multiliteracies and Literacy, led by Chantelle Warner (University of Arizona) and Diane Richardson (University of Delaware). This PLONS ran three times. 2018-2021.