Journal 2 "Join the Flock!"

 Ferguson, Hadley. (June/July 2010). Join the flock!. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

Hadley Ferguson enthusiastically guides the reader through the steps of setting up and developing a professional learning network (PLN) via Twitter.  Twitter is a "virtual meeting place" that enables "strangers" to develop a community based on communication and collaboration. Whereas in the past learning and research for new information took more time and effort, Twitter is a great tool that permits the constant exchange and flow of information within a virtual community, thus the information comes to you. That information however is not confined but it flows and it is shared (retweeted). The development of a PLN, explains Ferguson, takes time and commitment, and one has to cultivate relationships. At first, one may begin a PLN by just "following" people with similar interests and lurking without tweeting anything to anyone . The next step is to start becoming more visible to the PLN by retweeting someone's post and starting to comment. And as one becomes more comfortable, the following step is to expose one's own thinking and ideas. To become more exposed, the hashtag (#) is included in the tweet, which allows more people to see what you are sharing. The beauty of Tweeter is that with only 140 characters people are able to share a wealth of information. The level of participation in a PLN depends entirely on the individual but the flow of information never stops.

Questions #1: What would be the appropriate age for students to use twitter as a required tool for class?

Some would argue that this could begin as early as elementary school because kids are already knowledgeable and interested in using technology. However, I think it comes down to responsibility and maturity level. Twitter would be most appropriate for high school students because the curriculum demands it and because it would prepare them for college and beyond. Maybe it could be introduced in middle school, but not before that.

Question # 2:  What are other ways in which a PLN is beneficial to educators?

A PLN, when a participant is totally engaged, gives him/her a voice, especially concerning social issues. If we believe in education, we can use a PLN to take a stand on issues that affect, most importantly, students, and teachers. It brings about awareness because it is a great discussion forum. Perhaps the next social movement will begin in a virtual setting.