Journal 2

Journal 2: “Join the Flock” and Enhance Your Twitter Experience” (NETS 3&5)

Ferguson, Hadley Join the Flock and McClintock Miller, Shannon (June/July 2010) Learning and Leading with Technology.  Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Join_the_Flock.aspx & http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/June_July_2010_Join_the_Flock.sflb

Summary:  The “Join the Flock” article gave great step by step instructions to setting up your own twitter account.  It gave details and will allow you to make twitter a tool that you will be able to use at your own comfort level.  The thought “It’s so easy a caveman can do it” came to mind while reading the article.  The idea behind educators using twitter as educational tool to seek personal growth is exciting and the students will end up benefiting in the long run.

“Enhance Your Twitter Experience” explained what PLN’s (personal learning networks) meant.  It is mentioned in the “Join the Flock” article but I did not make the connection until I read the second article.  I like how at the end of the article the teacher gave some remedial tips for people who may not see the benefits of twitter.   

Q1.  What is your suggestion for people who people who do not want to become a slave to their computer?

A1.  As with all computer social networks, setting a time limit is a must.  Remember, you only get 140 characters so you are limited in what you can type.  The article states that in just ten minutes you will get to know the people in your PLN.  Having two separate PLN’s will help you to differentiate between your work time and your personal time.      

Q2.  What if I never get to the point where I want to expose myself?

A1.  You may never get to that point but don’t close that door already.  The hope is that the more involved you become and the more comfortable you become, the next step of sharing will just come naturally.  It is what you teach your students to do every day in your classroom.  Come to the table with an open mind and see where your techy imagination will take you.