Journal 2: Join the Flock NETS-T V

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock. Learning and Leading With Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from 

http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx

In this article, Hadley Ferguson explains how teachers can use Twitter to build their personal learning network, or PLN.  She gives step by step instruction on how to get more and more involved in a PLN, and it all starts with setting up a Twitter account.  She suggests including a picture and a bio on your Twitter account.  Following people is the next step, and by doing so you may gain followers.  You should look for people who have similar interests as yourself, for instance, I am interested in math education, so I should look for other people who share that interest an follow them.  You can play a silent role on Twitter and just watch things,  or you can become an active participant in your PLN.  Retweeting  helps get you involved, can help you gain followers, and is a great way to reach even more people with information.  Once you feel comfortable you can begin posting your own Tweets, and sharing your own wealth of knowledge.  The final step is to include hashtags to reach even more people.

1.  What are the kinds of things you should be looking for or sharing on Twitter to build your PLN?

Things you should look for are people who share your areas of interest.  You should look for resources people share that will help you in your own professional development.  You can share websites you found helpful when planning your lessons.  You can share certain tools you were successful within your classroom.  Also, you can ask your PLN questions when you are struggling and get feedback.

2.  Why does Ferguson suggest including a picture and a bio on your Twitter account?

Including a picture and a bio makes your Twitter account more personal.  Other Twitter users can put a face to a name, and the bio allows people to see what your interests are.  This makes you more real to people, and it increases the likelihood of people following you.