I found this assignment very helpful because it reminded me of the great resources that are available to share ideas and become more "connected" to fellow educators. I am still shy about giving feedback and sharing ideas online in response to postings on all the various professional networks, but now I will think about ways I can "create" as well as "consume" information. My new year's resolution will be to give feedback and share ideas on my PLN! I have had a twitter account for a while and tend to post links to articles of interest on my page. After exploring how to use hashtags, I dipped my toe in the water and included #tlchat in a twitter post @NPElibrarian. The mysteries of using hashtags have been revealed! I use Diigo to bookmark and share great resources I find online; plus it helps me to easily access sites I have found but can't keep in my head!
Having a PLN has been a lifesaver for me and I use it for:
1. Gathering ideas for spicing up my library lessons to make them more engaging and creative.
2. Keeping up to date on new technology and trends.
3. Connecting with other teacher librarians to hear what's going on in other school libraries.
4. Learning about how to use technology tools.
My favorite way to use a PLN is through blogs. I follow several great technology and teacher librarian blogs. For example, Van Meter Library Voice by Shannon McClintock Miller, The Adventures of Library Girl by Jennifer LaGarde, The Daring Librarian by Gwyneth Jones, and Kathy's Katch by Kathy Schrock. I also follow David Byrne's Free Technology for Teachers blog which I use as a reference tool when I need to find out about a specific technology topic.
Having a PLN has been a lifesaver for me and I use it for:
1. Gathering ideas for spicing up my library lessons to make them more engaging and creative.
2. Keeping up to date on new technology and trends.
3. Connecting with other teacher librarians to hear what's going on in other school libraries.
4. Learning about how to use technology tools.
My favorite way to use a PLN is through blogs. I follow several great technology and teacher librarian blogs. For example, Van Meter Library Voice by Shannon McClintock Miller, The Adventures of Library Girl by Jennifer LaGarde, The Daring Librarian by Gwyneth Jones, and Kathy's Katch by Kathy Schrock. I also follow David Byrne's Free Technology for Teachers blog which I use as a reference tool when I need to find out about a specific technology topic.