I teach information literacy so I need to be current on all the cool new tools, techniques, methods, and curriculum ideas. In addition to that, I need to keep my Personal Learning Network (PLN) active and current. How does one do all this? Where is the time? I follow several education gurus and wonder, "How do they keep up with all these tools? Do they sleep? Perhaps they have minions and, if so, where can I get some?" I am in total awe of some of these people and they inspire me to better myself. So what is the solution since I don't seem to have any minions running around my house?
Two or three years ago, I was on the same track to tackle all the platforms I could to learn more and put my thoughts out there. That ended in one crash and burn of overwhelming "started" but not completed projects. Slow but sure like the tortoise, I am making progress by tackling one tool at a time, feeling comfortable with it, and then moving to the next. Depending on the tool, I try to check in with each one an appropriate amount of times so I don't become overwhelmed.
LinkedIn: I am not proficient but feel comfortable with this network. I use this completely for professional purposes. I "link" (this would be called friending in the Facebook realm) to other professionals to create a unique network that allows the of sharing pertinent information. I don't use this to share what my child has accomplished or the current weather conditions. What will you see on my network? I post hyperlinks from various sources about new and upcoming ed trends, CCSS, tech tools, cool new apps, and how students learn. I like LinkedIn because I can post my thoughts without having to worry about the number of characters I can use. Obviously being succinct is not one of my best qualities. I try and visit LinkedIn weekly to keep up with everything. This is the site I hope professionals would look at to see what I think is important in my field.
Blogging: Well if you are reading this, you know I am an on-again-off again blogger. Sometimes I just don't have time to sit down and write what I feel is a quality blog. Other days, it is difficult to choose what to share. I do love blogging. It allows me to write with voice and feeling. When you blog it is important to "pick" an audience to direct your writing. I am a casual blogger; I like the pedestrian type of writing I can do here. I feel anyone can read my blog, including my students, and come away with something. Of course, my professional style of writing is vastly different and has a different place. One of my goals this year, is to show the students various types of blogs and eventually allow them, in a class, to create an entry on this blog. I feel that we could expose some truly creative minds if they are taught blogging etiquette.
Goodreads: I joined a few years ago in the mad rush to put myself out there and it promptly fell by the wayside. However, I have gone back to it and revamped and am making an effort to post weekly. Goodreads is a book review site. You can friend people to see what they are reading and get the updates when they post something. It is completely book oriented. My posts concern professional reading and children's' books. I tag according to genre and rate and write a short review of what I have read. If you are looking for book recommendations, this is where you want to friend me and watch my shelves. I usually post 2-4 books weekly. To find me look for, "Jill Cd' I hope to see some of you join and peruse the site.
Twitter: Again something I started and dropped. I have been persuaded by numerous people to get back on this horse. So back I went. I find Twitter overwhelming and not my favorite tool. However, I have also found tons of information on projects, curriculum changes, and tech tools all displayed in one place. I am still working on tweeting and learning how manipulate it to my benefit. I do see some value with Twitter and it does allow me to communicate with people that, otherwise, I wouldn't be able too. I'll keep working on this one and if you want to follow me, my handle is "jcd118." Remember you are only allowed 140 characters in each post on Twitter.
All these tools supply me with thoughts, ideas, and information as well as allow me to express mine. They have become part of my PLN and I can learn as much from using these as attending a course. The biggest problem, I find, is the amount of energy, time, and information you are exposed to when you try to perfect them all. As you can see, it has taken me several years to involve myself in just these four tools. My suggestion is choose one, master it, and move to the next. Don't get discouraged; the learning curve can be steep but the benefits are well-worth it. If you need assistance, feel free to contact me through one of the tools listed above and perhaps I can help. If not, I'll link, friend, follow, or tweet, you to someone who can.
Next up; Pintrest. Well, maybe I can save that one for next year….
Happy Holidays and keep reading!
The Noisy Librarian
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