Using Social Networking to Influence

Research shows teachers are most influenced by 3 things: Administrators, assessments and data, and other teachers...the greatest of these is OTHER TEACHERS!

So, can we use social networking (FB, Ning, Twitter, blogs, wikis, Skype) to develop and expand traditional in-house/district professional learning?

YES!!

• Use social bookmarking, such as Diigo, to share websites of interest with your PLN (Professional Learning Network).
• Use Skype to hold meetings across the globe.
• Use Slideshare to share presentations with your PLN.
• Use YouTube to post/comment lessons or vodcasts re: your PLN's focus
• Twitter is INVALUABLE for professional learning, whether in a PLN or flying solo.

Find a balance between the resources that work for you and for inspiring your teaching...don't try to do it all, but at least try a few different approaches.