Journal 2

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning and Leading, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx


In Hadley Ferguson's article "Join the Flock", she discusses the importance of building a PLN, or Professional Learning Network and how using modern technologies such as twitter can play a crucial and important roll in building ones PLN. She talks about how before using twitter to expand her PLN she would have to do all the research herself to create lesson plans etc. She describes how twitter creates a community for strangers from all around the world with the same personal or professional interests to get together and share ideas and experiences. Through useful tools on twitter such as learning who to follow, simply following someone silently without ever replying, and the use of the hashtag (#) one's twitter experience is greatly enhanced. Along with these useful tools, Ferguson explains the importance of not only following others, and posting your own thoughts on twitter, but also "retweeting." By doing this you are tweeting the original post to a whole new audience which leads to the potential for more followers, which in turn leads to a larger PLN where more ideas can be shared. By doing all of these things, each individual involved is taking full advantage of the technological tools that are being made available to them. Furthermore, they are embracing the current technology which will only grow as time goes on.






As a teacher do I see myself using tools such as twitter to expand my PLN?


While i was originally 100% against the use of twitter I can see how using it professionally could be a great resource for an educator. My PLN would increase greatly and I would be able to connect with educators all over the world by participating in things such as #edchat, like we had discussed in class the other day. Getting different viewpoints and perspectives on teaching is an extremely valuable tool and to not use it when it is literally at your fingertips seems foolish. Not only does it benefit the educator, but it also benefits the students of the educator who is involved.


Do tools such as twitter have any place in the classroom for student use?


If used in the same manner as used by the educator, Then I feel that twitter indeed can have a beneficial roll in the classroom. Just as the educator can correspond with other educators all over the world, then perhaps the students can correspond with students from all over the world. An up to date version of pen pals. Also, there is no reason something such as #studentchat couldnt exist where students could exchange useful studying tips. These are just a few reasons why twitter could work in the classroom.