One of the unique characteristics of my PLN is that I have never met some of them in person. Online communication tools have an incredible influence on the way in which I practice my job. When evaluating tablets, I was able to reach out to a contact in Australia. He used his contacts to gather even more information that helped me reach a decision. Just think of all of the knowledge out there if we are just willing to ask.
It is also important to reach out to those in our physical community. Your grade level/ subject area team is a great place to start. Try forming a PLN with an MCS teacher from another subject or grade level. This course is a great opportunity to create a relationship with other MCS staff members. How do you know who to contact? Check out their blog!
If you are looking to find educators from around the world, take some time and look at Classroom 2.0. This is a social networking site focused around using the latest technologies to transform education. Teachers from around the world create posts looking for ideas, projects partners, information, etc... It is definately a site that I highly encourage you to join. The founders host webinars on a variety of topics but you must be a registered member in order to receive notices. (Of course, you can time that you spend at this site to your time log.)
Check out these readings about PLN's.
- The Innovative Educator- 5 Things You Can Do to Begin Developing Your Personal Learning Network
- The Fischbowl- My Personal Learning Network in Action
- Claire Hertz- Establishing a Personal Network- includes resource lists
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