This document discusses building a personal learning network (PLN) using various online tools. It recommends viewing one's PLN as a collection of connections ("lightning bugs") that provide constant learning even in darkness. Twitter, blogs, and social bookmarking are presented as key tools to guide independent learning and professional development through a deliberately formed network. Specific tips are provided on using hashtags and lists on Twitter to find people with shared interests and group them. Educational blogs by experts and local educators are also recommended resources.

1. Building a Personal Learning Network

2. The Lightening Bug Theory of PLNs I think of my PLN as a jar of lightning bugs. Each bug flashes occasionally, giving light. If I collect enough lightning bugs who are bright, soon the light is constant and I can find my way forward, even in the dark -Kevin Honeycutt

4. PLNs are deliberately formed networks of people and resources capable of guiding ourindependent learning goals and professional q development needs.

5. Build a PLN using: Twitter Social Bookmarking Blogs

6. Twitter is a micro blogging site that allows you to share your thoughts in 140 characters or less. More importantly, with the use a link to shorten a URL (bit.ly or tinyurl.com) you can add links as well! What is Twitter?

7. Tweet – a 140 character post Hashtag(#) – a sign you put in front of a search Reply (@) – reply to all Retweet (RT) – a message that gets resent DM (d) – direct message List – a collection of peeps Twitter Lingo

8. What does a tweet look like? Short URL Link Options Tool Used to post Conversation Recipient

9. What does Twitter look like?

10. You don’t have to tweet to get value from Twitter!

11. Setting up a PLN using Twiitter Use Twitter Search to find people Find People who share your interests Check out a RT for the originator Follow them on Twitter Start by introducing yourself and a group: #sd43 or #cpchat Start expanding your list of people you follow Group people with similar interests together in a List Use Hashtags (#) to find posts similar to yours

12. Use a Twitter Client to Organize

13. Hootesuite

14. Educational Blogs are being turned out constantly. Writers range from Internationally known authors and experts like Alflie Kohn, Will Richardson, Dan Tapscott, etc… Leaders in the field: Chris Kennedy, Cale Birks, George Couros, Judy Halbertand others… Local educators like Brian Kuhn, Bryan Jack, Chris Wejr Blogs

15. Readers gather everything for you

16. Social Bookmarking

17. Key is to find a bookmarker that is versatile enough for you and will be kept up to date. Diigo, Delicious, Digg, Reddittand even Youtube can be used as social bookmarks. Find the one right for you. Using Social Bookmarking for your PLN

18. @corinnew for the great SlideShare inspiration My PLN for giving so much @chrkennedyand @masrobinsonfor the great feedback Thanks to: