Reflections+Chp+2

Will Richardson and Rob Mancabelli in //Personal Learning Networks// discuss five tools to help educators grow their Personal Learning Networks: Twitter, Diggo, Google Reader, Blogger, and Facebook. The following summary outlines some of the positives and/or negatives of each and how I am currently using each tool.
 * __Reflections Chapter Two (pp. 33-57) - March 29 Discussion__**


 * Twitter** – I opened a Twitter account last summer (2011) as part of a graduate class assignment, but really didn’t use if regularly until the past few months when I started following some of the technology conferences. Through my recent use of it, I tend to agree with the book’s authors that Twitter is most definitely an excellent vehicle for sharing “conversations and content” about our passions. Twitter, “one of the fastest-growing social tools since 2008,” provides users with a way to share news links using 140 characters or less. I prefer to use Tweetdeck, because it makes it easy to follow groups or topics. (Negatives: it can be time-consuming to post as well as follow the posts.)


 * Diigo –** Prior to reading this chapter, I had not personally used this social bookmarking tool. The authors convincingly describe Diigo as a “must-use tool for educators” to develop networks ([]) . One of the great features of Diigo is the sticky notes and highlighting features on anything bookmarked. Also, various groups for educators have already been established ([]). I definitely need to jump in and start using this tool.


 * Google Reader –** I was first introduced to Google Reader at the June 2011 Summer Symposium in Sioux Falls. I set up an account and immediately received tons of information. As the authors stated, Google Reader is a powerful tool for gathering information. I soon discovered that the one negative is how overwhelming the volume of information can become. My recommendation in using this is to be very selective and to review it regularly. I do receive some RSS (“Real Simple Syndication”) feeds and checked them periodically. These are a great way to access information that is not readily available elsewhere.


 * Blogger –** The authors described blogs as a tool for “synthesizing ideas, connecting to other teachers and resources … and developing a conversation around topics you care about most.” Google’s blogger was explained as the easiest way to get started. Currently I do not have a personal blog, but I have started following a few blogs this semester and have found them to be very thought-provoking and informative.


 * Facebook –** Beyond all the obvious ways to use this on a personal level, Facebook can also serve to connect people professionally. Some organizations like //Edutopia,// ISTE, and National Council of Teachers of English are places to meet other educators within particular subject areas. (Currently I use Facebook mainly to stay in touch with family members. After reading this chapter, I plan to examine some of the professional organizations. It might also be a good time to learn more about the changes in the privacy policy of this site and others.)

Page 55 of //Personal Learning Networks// lists seven activities: Creators, Conversationalists, Critics, Collectors, Joiners, Spectators, and Inactives. Here are some of the activities I am involved in, however I viewed my activity as more of a consumer/spectator/collector than a creator presently. Spectators: Things I do (read blogs, listen to podcasts, watch videos, read online forums and review, read tweets). Joiners: Maintain profile on more than one social networking site Collectors: Use RSS feeds, vote for websites online (I rarely add tags to web pages or photos) Critics: Occasionally comment on someone else's blog and contribute to/edit articles ina wiki Conversationalists: Update status on social networking site, occasionally post update on Twitter Creators: Publish my own webpage and post writings on it.