It goes without saying that Social Networking has its pitfalls if used unwisely. I personally will not use Facebook, or Myspace, and I am glad they are blocked at school. There is not a kid I have taught who does not have a space on one or both of these sites. Kids with extremely low reading levels, and no computers at home have sites. As we are well aware, teachers can get themselves into trouble if they are not cautious about what they post on social networks.
I felt cautious about social networking before this coarse but can see the value of creating a PLN. I have gotten a lot of great information from my Google reader, and when I am able I take the time to click away on interesting articles and let them take me where they will. I have ended up more than six links away from my reader on several occasions. I have dabbled with twitter, and have yet to develop a network, and am not seeing the value yet.
I have used social networking with my coaching, particularly wrestling. I have professional contacts from all over the nation who share insights, tips, and the love of the sport. When I go to a local wrestling event and meet new people, many of them already know me through forum posts, blog responses, or general reputation. I have been at it with the wrestling world for about six years. I think I can build my education PLN much quicker.
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