Using Social Media to Create a Personal Learning NetworkMichelle Wilson, LMSNorth Highland ElementaryJefferson County Library Media PD Conference 2009

What is social media?Various internet-based tools that people can use to connect and share useful information

Various internet-based tools that people can use to connect and share useful information

What is a Personal Learning Network?Not a new concept!Where you get your knowledgeBC version of PLN: teachers within your school, public librarian, professors at local LS (local scale)AC version of PLN: social bookmarking, Twitter, list-servs, wikispace communities, blogs, etc. (global scale)

How can I use social media to create a PLN?Use these new tools to learn new things that will help you do your job better!Use these tools to produce new, useful information for other teacher librarians!

What good is this to me?Lack of PD funding for eminent futureUsing cutting edge technologyLearning the newest, best, and most useful informationConnecting with students

Is it much trouble?Expect a learning curve, but maintain learning as your priorityCommit, and try one type of social media at a time.Choose your connections wisely!Devote any amount of time.

Why do YOU think this social media thing is such a big deal?INFORMATION!

Why do YOU think this social media thing is such a big deal?INFORMATION!

Why do YOU think this social media thing is such a big deal?INFORMATION!Google search produces quantity, social media searches produce qualityDatabase searches still relevant!

Why do YOU think this social media thing is such a big deal?Connections! Twitter: Librarians from Egypt, Australia, California, Canada, Boston, Vermont, and the Philippines!Delicious bookmarking: global networkTeacherTube: national network of like-minded professionalsBlogs: Using Google Reader to stream all the blogs I follow about teaching, technology, and library media instruction

How to Get StartedTwitter.comDelicious.comFind a few good blogs: create a Google account, and start using Google Reader to collect new posts!Remember to make learning a priority, and once you grow in confidence, begin to contribute to the great pot of knowledge!

Safe and Responsible UseTwitter: Complete your bio so that other teachers will know you are legit. Go private to protect yourself from being “followed” by undesirables. Blogs: No matter who recommends a blog, check it out yourself before subscribing to its feed. Time management!Personal/professional

For another time….How could you use social media with your STUDENTS?

Pop Quiz!Name 1 social media tool.What is a PLN?Name 1 reason you should try creating a PLN with social media.What is 1 social media tool you will try this year to make yourself a better library media specialist?

Need more information?Twitter: @mwilson518Delicious, TeacherTube, & SlideShare: mwilson518Email: mwilson518@gmail.com or mwilson@jefcoed.comSchool phone: 205-379-4950Wiki: nhestechspace.wikispaces.com and nheskids.wikispaces.comBlog: knowingbooks.blogspot.com