Journal 7: My Personal Learning Network (NETS 5)

 My Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a way in which I am able to gather information using Internet networking sites to communicate with others, gain information, and collaborate with teachers around the world. My PLN currently consists of a Twitter account, Diigo book marking, my blog, and Classroom 2.0, a digital discussion forum for educators.

            On my Twitter account I follow fellow classmates to keep up to date assignments and to be able to ask any questions if need be. I also follow the professor, who post information and links related to class and the field of education and technology. Another great thing about Twitter is you can use it to participate in ongoing chats to collaborate with others in real time. I participated in the new teachers chat on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 5PM. When the discussion first began a new teacher had a question about setting up a classroom library. Many people had comments about how to get books in a way that is cost effective, what kind of books they collect, organization systems, systems to check out the books, and one person suggested assigning a student to be the class librarian for the week. This question really kicked off the chat and many people where eager to share their ideas. During the chat, I was merely an observer. It was a little hard to follow at times and some people would take on conversations to just one another instead of the chat as a whole, but I do think it could be a useful tool to get information and ideas. In the future, as a start out teaching as a new teacher, I think it would be fun to share new things I learn and collaborate with other new teachers.

            Diigo is a site that can be used for book marking websites. When you had a site to Diigo you can “tag” them with key words, which becomes your tag roll. I choose to "tag" a few sites for my PLN. I tagged a few blogs of educators who post teaching tips and techniques. I also tagged a website called "Teachers Teaching Teachers" which hosts a weekly webcast to provide development within the profession, and implemnets teachers' knowledge. You can also follow people on this site to see what others are finding on the Internet. On Diigo, I’m following a few different educators. I decided to follow John Evans and John Faig because I find the information they have to be resourceful and interesting. I’m also following a high school teacher, Casey Mayfield because not only is she an educator, but she has a passion for technology as well and has tagged some good information in that regard. I follow Deven Black because he is a middle school teacher, which is the level I’m interested in teaching and I follow Isabelle Jones because she is a teacher from England and I think it would be cool to see what information and links she provides on her tag roll.

            I decided to become a member of Classroom 2.0 because I like the way their website is put together. It is easy to access and find interesting and fun information. I came across a blog post while exploring the site. A former teacher, who had become a Technology Integration Specialist, reflects on her discovery of her own PLN and how it has opened the doors for her to learn and have access to new and innovative information.