When setting out to build my PLN, I considered many things.
1. What do I want to get out of my PLN?
2. Which platforms do I wish to use?
3. How can I use these platforms to reach out to other professionals?
For my PLN, I want to gain insight on new and emerging educational technology and collaborate on technology-rich lessons that I can use with my students. When setting out to start my PLN, I knew I needed to seek out individuals who have expertise in this area, and/or individuals who have a strong social network that includes experts in this area.
In choosing a platform, I considered two main things: my comfort in navigating the platform, and how quickly I can get responses or feedback from members of my PLN. For comfort, I chose Pinterest and Twitter (see my Get Connected page for more information on these two platforms). Pinterest is something that I have used for years, and it has grown in popularity among many educators and educational organizations. I knew Pinterest would have many users and resources that would fit the goals of my PLN. To find professionals on Pinterest, I would search for helpful pins by using relevant key words and then follow the users who pinned them. I also chose to use Twitter for my PLN. I like Twitter because I can search for information and professionals by using keywords in my hashtags (see my Resources page for information about hashtags). Twitter also feels more personal and quick! I can send out a quick tweet or send a direct message someone. I also think that Twitter chats are a great way to collaborate with one another! I also use Facebook a little for my PLN, but it is mostly to save articles that are promoted by the educational groups I follow.
Below, you will find a list of groups, individuals, and Pinterest boards that I follow as part of my PLN.
In choosing a platform, I considered two main things: my comfort in navigating the platform, and how quickly I can get responses or feedback from members of my PLN. For comfort, I chose Pinterest and Twitter (see my Get Connected page for more information on these two platforms). Pinterest is something that I have used for years, and it has grown in popularity among many educators and educational organizations. I knew Pinterest would have many users and resources that would fit the goals of my PLN. To find professionals on Pinterest, I would search for helpful pins by using relevant key words and then follow the users who pinned them. I also chose to use Twitter for my PLN. I like Twitter because I can search for information and professionals by using keywords in my hashtags (see my Resources page for information about hashtags). Twitter also feels more personal and quick! I can send out a quick tweet or send a direct message someone. I also think that Twitter chats are a great way to collaborate with one another! I also use Facebook a little for my PLN, but it is mostly to save articles that are promoted by the educational groups I follow.
Below, you will find a list of groups, individuals, and Pinterest boards that I follow as part of my PLN.