Educational networking involves using social media technologies for educational purposes and can provide teachers with professional development opportunities and improve student success. The author discusses two educational networks she has joined - Special Ed in the 21st Century and Response to Intervention (RTI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Central - to connect with other teachers, collaborate on lessons and strategies, stay up-to-date on legislation, and find new tools and information to support her students. Educational networking allows for instant access to information and active student involvement, transforming professional development and positively impacting student learning.

1. Educational Networking The Future for TeachersBy Julie YoungkinSpecial Education Teacher, Garland ISD

2. What is educational networking?“…the use of social networking technologies for educational purposes” (Educational Networking, 2010)social networking = online communities of people with shared interestAbout 65 million people use social networking in the United States today (Stutzman, 2008)“Social Networking in Plain English”(Lefever, 2007)

3. Chosen Network: Special Ed in the 21st Centuryhttp://21stcenturysped.ning.com/

4. Why did I choose it?To connect with other special education teachers from all over the worldTimely information on new legislationNew technology outlined for a rising special education populationPromotion of parental awareness

5. How will I use it? For integration of web 2.0 tools in the classroomNew teaching strategiesCollaboration on lesson plansInnovative information for parentsNew perspective on reaching goals

6. Chosen Network: Response to Intervention (RTI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Centralhttp://rticentral.ning.com/

7. Why did I choose it?To connect with other educatorsCollaborate on new methods for RTI and UDLAccess latest media that relates to new legislationGain insight for more structure in identification strategies

8. How will I use it?Acquire new information for my teacher training sessions in RTIFind out success rates from other teachers on UDL strategiesMatch UDL strategies with specific types of learning differencesStay up-to-date with current education legislation

9. The Impact of Educational NetworkingProfessional development opportunities“Instant access to information is one of the many reasons social networking is transforming education and, more specifically, professional development” (Ellwood, 2008, p.2).Improved students success“When teachers use social networking tools to make changes to their instruction, it usually means their students are actively involved in their own learning processes” (Ellwood, 2008, p.4).

10. ReferencesLefever, L. (2007, June 7). Social networking in plain English [Video file]. Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_KF7TYKVcEducational Networking. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2010, from the Educational Networking Wiki: http://www.educationalnetworking.com/Ellwood, H. (2008, November). How social networks are moving to the forefront of professional development. EDCompass, 2-4.Stutzman, F. (2008, January 28). Re: How many Americans use social networking sites? [Web log message]. Retrieved from: http://chimprawk.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-many-americans-use-social.html