I cannot put into words how important it is to have strong Personal Learning Network (PLN). Having the ability to reach out to others around the world at a moments notice for ideas, suggestions and resources, is simply amazing. Over the past few days I have realized I am very fortunate to have such a strong and diverse PLN from all corners of the world. I am always amazed at the willingness of others to share with someone they have never met face to face and barely know. I suppose I shouldn't be, as I am always happy to help and reciprocate the favour.
To me, building a strong PLN is essential if you want to stay relevant and up to date in today's education system. Technology has enabled us to create these amazing connections with educators around the world. Through the use of social media platforms, such as Twitter and Google+, we are able to meet and build these relationships. Below are a couple of tips on how to get started on buliding your PLN on Twitter and Google+
Twitter- A great place to start building your PLN. There are so many educators using Twitter to share and inspire each other. How do you get started? First, you need to create a Twitter account. Think about your Twitter name/handle as this will identify you to the world. You can always change this later, but having a catchy creative name (or your own) can help others find and remember who you are. Once you have an account created, you need to find people to follow. My advice is start out small with a few people you know post great things (See previous Twitter post). Through following these people you see from who and where they get their information. You will be shocked at how quick the number of people you follow grows. Another way to build your PLN is through the use of #hashtags. There are many educational #hashtags on twitter to follow #edchat and #edtech are two great ones. You will find very specific ones as well:
Google+ or G+ - is another great platform for building your PLN. If you have a Google account, then you already have a G+ account and you just need to go use it. G+ in my opinion is great because you are not limited to 140 characters for posting. I also find the quality of post on G+ to be stronger and for me (someone who is primarily using Google products) the information tends to be more streamed. Similar to Twitter's #hashtags G+ has Communities you can join. These communities are diverse yet specific to your grade or interest. One of the greatest communities you can join on G+ is the GEG in your region. For educators in Ontario, we have a GEG Ontario I recommend this as a great starting place.
Good luck creating and building your PLN, it is something you will not regret.
image obtained from
To me, building a strong PLN is essential if you want to stay relevant and up to date in today's education system. Technology has enabled us to create these amazing connections with educators around the world. Through the use of social media platforms, such as Twitter and Google+, we are able to meet and build these relationships. Below are a couple of tips on how to get started on buliding your PLN on Twitter and Google+
Twitter- A great place to start building your PLN. There are so many educators using Twitter to share and inspire each other. How do you get started? First, you need to create a Twitter account. Think about your Twitter name/handle as this will identify you to the world. You can always change this later, but having a catchy creative name (or your own) can help others find and remember who you are. Once you have an account created, you need to find people to follow. My advice is start out small with a few people you know post great things (See previous Twitter post). Through following these people you see from who and where they get their information. You will be shocked at how quick the number of people you follow grows. Another way to build your PLN is through the use of #hashtags. There are many educational #hashtags on twitter to follow #edchat and #edtech are two great ones. You will find very specific ones as well:
- #ATchat (Assistive Technology)
- #gafechat (Google Apps for Education)
- #1stchat (First grade)
- #kinderchat (Kindergarten)
Google+ or G+ - is another great platform for building your PLN. If you have a Google account, then you already have a G+ account and you just need to go use it. G+ in my opinion is great because you are not limited to 140 characters for posting. I also find the quality of post on G+ to be stronger and for me (someone who is primarily using Google products) the information tends to be more streamed. Similar to Twitter's #hashtags G+ has Communities you can join. These communities are diverse yet specific to your grade or interest. One of the greatest communities you can join on G+ is the GEG in your region. For educators in Ontario, we have a GEG Ontario I recommend this as a great starting place.
Good luck creating and building your PLN, it is something you will not regret.
image obtained from
