Tweetin' on Twitter

If you haven't joined Twitter yet, you're missing out on one of the most powerful tools for enhancing your professional development!

The biggest challenge on Twitter is finding the time to build your network. It feels like casting a wide net into an expansive ocean, but eventually, you start reeling in some great catches!

This morning, I logged onto Twitter to see what topics were buzzing among tech-savvy educators. I discovered that many of them were attending an "educon" conference focused on education (though they stress it's not solely about technology). As I followed the conference-related

 tweets, I realized that participants were sharing insights from the sessions in real-time. Despite not being physically present, I actively engaged in the conversation, sharing my thoughts and opinions about learning and technology. It was fascinating to see what was being discussed at the conference and to contribute from the comfort of my home.

The second best part of joining the educon chat was the connections I made! Networking with individuals who share similar interests opens up opportunities for collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing. It was an exciting day of tweeting!"

Image from google

What is your PLN?

What is a Personal Learning Network?

This YouTube clip featuring Will Richardson sheds light on the evolving landscape of education and underscores the necessity for educators to cultivate their own Personal Learning Networks (PLNs). A Personal Learning Network entails an individual's targeted learning goals and a series of methods or strategies aimed at curating or organizing various relevant content sources, chosen for their significance, to aid in achieving professional objectives or personal interests (Warlick, 2007). Once educators grasp the concept of building PLNs and comprehend their functionality, they can impart this digital literacy to their students, empowering them to construct their own personal learning networks effectively.

To delineate how I've constructed my own learning ecosystem, I embarked on defining where and how I primarily engage in learning.

Commencing with a wisemap to chart my learning networks, I realized the necessity of keen observation to discern my habitual avenues for discussing ideas and seeking understanding. Thus far, I've identified

 two principal networks based on my learning goals.

One network revolves around my involvement in the master's program at the University of Alberta. Although it incorporates an online learning component with discussion boards, I anticipate broadening this network rapidly through platforms like Twitter and educational blogs.

My other focus lies in 21st Century Learning, where I tap into numerous networks to glean insights. From tech-blogs to educational bloggers to Twitter, I am continually learning from thought leaders such as Warlick, Jukes, Richardson, and Valenza, among others, including educational blogger Byrne from FreeTech4Teachers. Byrne's prolific sharing via both Twitter and blogging renders his expertise highly accessible.

For those interested in establishing their own PLNs, Byrne's document titled "How to Build a Personal Learning Network" offers invaluable guidance, delineating the steps to build a robust network and highlighting major social networking tools like Twitter.

What comprises your PLN?