Professional Learning Network
Have you heard the buzzwords plurk and twitter? They are social networking sites that teachers can use to build professional learning network (PLN). A PLN is a group of teachers you choose to follow/communicate with through plurk or twitter. Twitter and plurk are very similar. They are both microblogging sites that you post your status in less than 140 characters. You can also respond to other people’s status’. Plurk is a bit more conversational and easier to follow the responses.
There are directories that can help you find other educators on twitter or plurk. Another suggestion I have is to find an educator or educators that you like to follow and follow their friends. That will help you build your PLN.
Once your PLN is built you should give as well as receive. It is a great place to ask questions. It is important that you answer others’ questions as well. The more you give the more you’ll get.
My PLN not only is a wonderful resource for me, it also inspires me to be a better professional. I read about the wonderful things others are doing with their teachers and I am inspired to do more with my teachers. If I have a question I put it out on my PLN. I usually have mutliple responses within a short time.
Look me up. I will help you build your PLN. My username is @lsadler for both twitter and plurk.
Plurk:
http://www.plurk.com/
http://plurk4teachers.pbwiki.com/FrontPage Directory for Plurk
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/home
http://twitter4teachers.pbwiki.com/ Directory for Twitter
Twitter/lsadler
YouTube/seamanits
Del.icio.us/seamanits
Edublog/seamanits
March 30, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
This is great, I’m so glad that more teachers are using PLNs to become stronger. Sharing our success stories and failures is the best way to become our best.
March 30, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
Great explanation of a PLN. Sometimes I have a hard time explaining to others what’s so great about Plurk and Twitter. It’s especially hard because of the media hype going on now that uses examples like, “I am drinking coffee right now” and other mundane posts to explain what Twitter is. They never explain how it’s used in a professional way.
March 30, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
You are doing a great job of promoting technology and professional development all in one swoop here. I would also like to add Skype in Schools to go along with your Plurk and Twitter links. Once educators get to know people on the PLCs they may want to connect their classrooms or just talk virtually. Here is the site for Skype in School PBwiki. http://skypeinschools.pbwiki.com/