Develop+your+PLN

Networking and lifelong learning is the path to being an effective professional.

For this semester long assignment, we will work to build / develop your on-line PLN (Personal, Professional Learning Network).

//__**What is a PLN?**__//
//If I had to define what a ‘Personal Learning Network’ is, I would keep it simple and broad:// > //n. – the entire collection of people with whom you engage and exchange information, usually online.//

//Personal Learning Networks, or PLNs, have been around forever. Originally, they were your family and friends, maybe other educators you worked with, but as the internet and web 2.0 tools have become nearly ubiquitous, PLNs can include tons of different communities – social networking sites like [|Facebook], [|blogs], [|Twitter], wikis, [|social bookmarking tools], [|LinkedIn], and so many more. Basically, anyone that you interact with is apart of your PLN, whether they are social contacts, professional peers, or experts in their field. Most of the ‘learning’ takes place on-line now, because it is simple to find and connect with others with similar interests from around the world.// from"Once a Teacher" blog: //Read the whole blog entry HERE.//

__**Develop your PLN Project**__

Goals of this project: (Thanks to @bwwojci for the guidance!)
 * 1) Connecting Theory and Practice
 * 2) Forming and Shaping a Belief System
 * 3) Connecting with other Educational Professionals
 * 4) Building Resources

__**How it will work??**__


 * Each of us will build a network that is reflective of our individual needs / interests.
 * This project will last all semester. I will check in with each of you periodically to track progress.
 * There will be 3 checkpoints during the semester:
 * October 4th
 * November 8th
 * December 6th
 * I will ask that each person create a Twitter account and follow at least 35 people. ( We will work on this together to get started!)
 * Using a combination of other networking tools (listservs, blogs, etc.) I will ask that you continue to refine your PLN.
 * As we all find interesting resources, post them to the class DIIGO site:
 * SPED 410 - Fall 2012 Diigo Site
 * This project will count towards 1/2 of your class participation grade for the semester. (10% of final grade)
 * At the end of the semester, I will ask each of you to share the results of your PLN with me in whatever form you like.
 * Create a WIKI page, PowerPoint presentation, create a video or podcast, write a report, etc.

__**3 phases of this project:**__

Phase 1: Build your network Phase 2: Manage your information Phase 3: Contribute and Participate

The phases are done in order but you may find yourself revisiting other phases throughout the project.

__**Things to consider:**__

How to Google Yourself Effectively and What to do about it - from the Chronicle of Higher Ed Manage your Digital Footprint - from Robert Half Digital Footprint - from Wikipedia Manage your Digital Footprint - from the BC Teachers Federation Should Students and Teachers be On line Friends - from education.com Teaching Kids to Manage their Digital Footprint - from the Innovative Educator Blog

Here are some links to get you started:

Build a Powerful PLN - From @timbuckteeth blog - Learning with "e"s How to develop your PLN - From Free Technology for Teachers 5 things you can do to start developing your PLN - from The Innovative Educator Blog Build your PLN - from Moving at the Speed of Creativity Blog