Networking Thoughts....

During my Ed Tech masters class last semester, I wanted to develop my personal learning network (PLN) and decided to look into different avenues as part of a learning contract. I signed up for two different nings that revolve around technology integration and teaching. One is called Classroom 2.0 and the other is Elementary Tech Teachers. I also signed up with Facebook.

As I was browsing the different updates on my Facebook homepage, I became appreciative of how it helps me to keep in touch with friends I don't see on a day to day basis and how I've been able to reconnect with friends from my past. The capabilities that Facebook offers me, in terms of social relationships, could not have been reproduced by any means prior to its beginning. To me, this is the true measure of a technologies effectiveness. However, in developing my PLN, it lacks the focus on Ed Tech. It sure is a heck of a lot of fun, though!

The nings, on the other hand, are the perfect tool for developing my PLN. It is the pure nature of a ning that this is possible. These groups are created because a bunch of people have a common interest. In the case of Classroom 2.0 and Elementary Tech Teachers, it is specifically Ed Tech.

Since the arrival of my baby daughter, she has become the focus of my days. However, in the near future, I look forward to becoming more active in those nings to "develop my craft" and become more networked.