Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Join_the_Flock.aspx
Summary: According to Hadley Ferguson, educators should know what a Professional Learning Network (PLN) is, why they are useful, and how to start one. Ferguson states that a “PLN is a community of individuals around the world who are learning together.” With the help of Twitter, people can now come together and create a community based on collaboration and learning. In order to create your PLN, you must first set up an account with Twitter and learn how to follow. Once you learn how to follow other people’s tweets, you should start tapping into great lists that other people create. Ferguson suggests that you “watch and listen” to other’s tweets, you can learn from them what tools they are using in the classroom. She also suggests that you “re-Tweet” information that you found insightful and useful. By doing this you are exposing yourself to others that share your ideas, while also expanding your own PLN.
Question #1: As a future educator, do I plan to create my own PLN?
Absolutely, I believe that having a PLN is very beneficial in terms of networking, but also as a way to keep up with new technology and tools that can help with classroom instruction.
Question #2: What were your initial thoughts about Twitter and have they changed?
To be quite honest, I have always thought that people who have a Twitter account are mostly self-centered and egotistical. I had no idea about the many benefits, especially in education, of having a Twitter account. I am very pleased to learn that Twitter is “Community + Collaboration + Community…all dedicated to making learning and education the best it can be.” My perspective has definitely changed and will be encouraging others to jump on board with Twitter.
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