PLN+Exploration+Lab

Introduction: The technology is always evolving and changing. Those teachers that will be creating trends rather than responding to trends will know the technology is coming. One of the methods of doing so is creating a PLN, which could be either a PROFESSIONAL Learning Network, or a PERSONAL Learning Network. Although the concepts have subtle differences, the end game of both is the same: connecting with a community of teacher professionals, practitioners, and the newly named "teacherpreneur." Thus, this is your last larger project... engage!

__**Step One: Share your Blog on Twitter**__

This is optional, but highly encouraged. Share your blog on Twitter. Say something like "I have been writing thoughts here... please write comments and ask questions." If you want to remain truly anonymous but still participate, please email me and I'll post your blog name on Twitter for classmates to see.


 * __Step Two: Comment on Classmate's Blogs__**

Spend some time (I think an hour is reasonable), reading your classmates thoughts and works. COMMENT. Ask questions. Engage in conversation. I will do the same. You can comment with just your first name but I will be looking for evidence for engagement. Agree or disagree... whatever. Engage.

Where to find the blogs? I have created a list of your Twitter accounts on Twitter here.

__**Step Three: Find Ten Teachers to Follow on Twitter**__

Search for ten teachers to follow on Twitter. Prefer those that teach your content area or the age of students. Make sure they are active Tweeters!

One suggestion for finding active users is to search for hashtags of common teacher chat on Twitter. For example, there is a regular "social studies chat" that uses the hashtag "#sschat" during the discussion. Here is a list of potential education hashtags.

__**Step Four: Find Five Blogs to Read**__

I have shared with you some potential blogs, but, can you find five more active blogs/news sites to follow? Look for educational technology websites, teaching blogs (tech or not) or other like minded folks.

You will share this information back with me on Moodle starting FRIDAY. Good luck.