Journal 2/MI

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(8), Retrievd from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

The article listed above is about the use of Twitter in developing a Professional Learning Network.  This term seems to be interchangeable with Personal Learning Network.  Ferguson leads us through the steps to starting a Twitter account and how to gradually get used to it and to become more involved with it.  First, one must be willing to commit enough time to it.  Whether this a a block of time once a week or a certain period of time each day.  Also, to start using Twitter does not mean one must also post Tweets.  You can go along and collect what information you wish.  Gradually this may develop into Retweets or comments and eventually by Tweeting your own ideas.  All of these steps help to develop your PLN where great ideas and information can come from.  In terms of organizing all of this information, the author suggests using a Twitter Organizer which will help bring the information to you in an organized way.

How can this information help me to become a better teacher?

Gathering information from my peer educators in a format such as Twitter can give me ideas for new curriculum as well as keep me on the cutting edge of technology.  The use of technology can seriously aid teachers in ways that have never before been utilized.  Research can be accomplished in a much faster period of time.  In addition, keeping up with the times can help a teacher not seem to be so behind in what the students already know themselves!

How else will Twitter be able to help me develop professionally?

One way, other than ideas for curriculum that Twitter or a PLN can help is in finding work.  Having a good network of people can help us to find jobs faster when they become available.  We may also learn of new or supplemental positions that could interest us for the future.



(Ferguson, 2010)