PLNs + Hashtags = Opportunities for Growth

If you use Twitter as a part of your PLN, you need to know that there's more to it than just following people.  All those @individuals or @groups are important and they help you build connections.  But there is a wealth of knowledge lurking behind those #s.  Hashtags (#) are invaluable for grouping topics and ideas.  One of the most powerful uses of #s is to identify educational "chats".......Groups of people "meeting" together online to discuss topics.  Even if you can't make the scheduled chat time, you can search for the # and catch up on the discussion when you have time.

Below is a link to an article by Jeff Dunn that discusses 20 chats that educators need to check out! So.....get busy....check it out!    #go  #whatareyouwaitingfor   #timesawasting   :)

www.edudemic.com/20-hashtags

A Butcher, a Baker, a Candlestick Maker

"A butcher, a baker, a candlestick maker" - that's how +Bobbi Capwell, (educator, Technology Integration Specialist, SimpleK12 Ambassador, DEN Star, lifelong learner) describes the members of her PLN.  She might have a literal butcher, baker and candlestick maker in her PLN, but what she is really trying to describe is the diverse nature of her group.  There is someone in her group who can provide support no matter what her need or question.

That's what we need to create when we are building our PLN.  Focus on your needs as an educator.  But, don't forget to think about your skills and what you have that you can share with others.  Create a support system for yourself that increases your professional knowledge, encourages you and is (sometimes) just plain fun!

Here's a link to Bobbi's blog.
http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/tiswedge/


Follow her on Twitter
https://twitter.com/BobbiC07

CoolCatTeacher, Vicki Davis, Compares Teacher's Life Before/After Twitter

I include +Vicki Davis (@coolcatteacher on Twitter) in my PLN.  Her tweets and blog are insightful and entertaining.  In this blog post she talks about how Twitter has changed her as an educator.  If you've been around a while, you will relate!

http://coolcatteacher.sharedby.co/share/1lr7QY

Adding Podcasts to your PLN

Your personalized learning network should be designed for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. An extremely efficient way to access professional development is to make podcasts a part of your PLN.
This format is perfect for fitting in whenever you have access to your phone or tablet and perhaps a set of headphones. You can even tune in on your way to and from work each day.


Visit the iTunes store, select Podcasts, select the Education category and browse until your heart's content!  Or search for a specific podcast or topic using the search box.  For example, searching for flipped learning yields results that look like this....

Also, the links below suggest numerous podcasts for educators.

http://edupln.ning.com/profiles/blogs/50-educational-podcasts-you-should-check-out

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/teachercast-broadcasting-network/id519685828?mt=2

Alright, LET'S GO....listen to a podcast!

PLNs Aren't Just for Teachers Anymore!

Read this article from Lisa Nielson's blog "The Innovative Educator" in which

Educator Ann S. Michaelsen explains the power of student PLNs.

http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2014/01/educator-ann-s-michaelsen-explains.html