Ferguson, H. (2012). By join the flock. Learning and Leading with Technology, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-leading/issues/june-july-2010/join-the-flock
McClintock, S. (2010). Enhance yout twitter experience. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201000607?pg=16&search_term=enhance your twitter&doc_id=-1
Summary: Hadley Ferguson and Shannon McClintock Miller both share about the benefits of a professional learning network (PLN) in each of their articles, “Join the Flock” and “Enhance Your Twitter Experience.” Ferguson explains that having and using a PLN is a great way for educators to find and share ideas. Her article outlines the steps needed to embark into the PLN world via Twitter. The basics are touched on here so that any educator will have enough information to get started. Miller inspires new users of Twitter to really dive in and seek every benefit it offers in “Enhance Your Twitter Experience.” This article gives reference to various organizational methods possible through Twitter. Both articles insist that organizing information is key because Twitter allows for so much input, and the streams of ideas present are truly endless. With a tweet deck, one organizational option, users can filter their interests into visually appealing columns that are separated by topic. This way, educators can find themselves as observers of global conversations among other educators, which allows the transfer of ideas and techniques to be at its prime. Through a PLN like Twitter, teachers embody NETS 3,4, and 5 as appropriate usage of modern technology is showcased, global connections are made via internet, and learning communities in which research is contributed to are formed.
Q1: How might insisting that teachers take part in a PLN benefit classrooms and schools as a whole?
A1: Personal Learning Networks allow for quick, easy, and abundant transfer of information in nearly every subject area. If schools required teachers to become part of such networks, they could very readily open themselves to a flow of information from others with a passion to teach similar to their own. This could be extremely beneficial, especially to students, because educators online may propose new ways of approaching material, engaging students, reaching all students, and managing classrooms altogether. With such a varied array of research available and fresh outlooks, teachers could really foster growth within their own classrooms by utilizing what applies to their students.
Q2: How would you specifically use Twitter to your advantage as an elementary school teacher?
A2: I would use Twitter as a search engine for ideas pertaining to material I was teaching as well as to share ideas I like with others who might benefit from them. By following educators and becoming part of chat groups, a hearty supply of information about education, or any topic in particular, would flow right to me. I could peruse Tweets from these sources for ideas or search specifically by tag. I might find examples of how other teachers have taught certain lessons or celebrated certain events in their classrooms and then alter them to fit my own classroom well. I like the idea of using Twitter as a source of shared knowledge so that as a teacher I can constantly better my techniques and work to reach students in unique ways.
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