Professional+Networking

** Professional Learning Network ** Social networks can support and promote professional development. A P.L.N. is a community of people who share learning resources, insights and ideas. Below are some of the social networks and online resources available for building and expanding a Professional Learning Network. Educators can use Twitter to follow "hashtags" that focus on a variety of educational topics. Users can follow popular teaching hashtags or follow hashtags from education conferences from around the world.
 * [[image:twitter.png width="138" height="87" align="center" link="@https://twitter.com"]] || ==**Twitter**==

Popular hashtags for educators: #edtech, #commoncore , #edchat || Facebook Groups are online spaces where people can interact, share resources and best teaching practices. FB Group Features:
 * [[image:facebook-logo.png width="51" height="59" align="center" link="@https://www.facebook.com/"]] || ==**Facebook**==
 * Group docs - collaborate and edit a document together
 * Group chat - discussions are in "real time" or posted for later review. (up to 250 people)
 * polls - quickly poll and find out what your colleagues know about a topic or can even vote on a topic to discuss!
 * photo albums - post photos, screen shots etc. from pd sessions
 * Events - invite your colleagues to attend PD events, group discussions, book talks, etc.

Most groups are "closed" to ensure privacy

Another way to use Facebook for professional development is to “like” Facebook Pages. Contribute to discussions, but be aware that pages are public and everyone can see your comments.

Popular Facebook pages to //like: Scholastic Teachers, MACUL// || Google Hangout allows up to 10 people to video conference at one time for free. Within the "Hangout" there are extra features that include Screen Sharing, Google Doc sharing, a Sketchpad and fun video effects. Users need to create a free Google account. || Linkedin Groups By joining groups on LinkedIn, you can make contact with some people that may be in your field (education) but not necessarily in your network (working at your school). Members can start discussions, ask questions and connect with others in the same field.
 * [[image:googleplus-icon.png width="77" height="85" align="center" link="@https://plus.google.com/"]] || ==**Google+**==
 * [[image:linkedin-logo2.jpeg width="101" height="101" align="center" link="@http://www.linkedin.com/"]] || ==**Linkedin**==

Group managers can: In addition to social bookmarking, "Diigo Groups" are useful for real time collaboration with an interest or work group. A Diigo group can be public, private or semi-private. Diigo tools can enhance shared professional reading between colleagues. Sticky notes, group members can interact and discuss important points right on the web page, while preserving the original content. Group members can work together to highlight text on webpage as well. Forums are available for focused threaded discussions. || Pinterest lets you create virtual pin boards. Users may browse pins from other users and repin their pins on their boards. Users can follow other boards and comment their favorite pins. Back to Top
 * create open or member-only groups.
 * delete inappropriate comments.
 * bring more people to the conversation by sending out invitations (current and future users)
 * promote discussions to the top of the group (reorder) ||
 * [[image:diigo-icon.png width="101" height="101" align="center" link="@http://www.diigo.com"]] || ==**Diigo**==
 * [[image:image_preview.jpeg width="120" height="120"]] || ==Pinterest==
 * Multiple "pinners" can pin to one visual board. This feature can be used for brainstorming and sharing resources.
 * Presenters can easily share a board of resources with a large group at conferences
 * Pin photos from your camera (great way to remember a PD event) ||