One of the most powerful PD tools around today!

One of the most important movements in education I see (outside of using tech to encourage higher order thinking skills with students) is using Twitter or other social media to create your own Personal Learning Network (PLN). No longer are you confined to the "In service day" mentality of growing as an educator. You can learn anytime, anywhere with ANYONE who is using the service you are. So, if you want to learn from Alan November (@globalearner), Will Richardson (@willrich45) or others, just Follow them on Twitter.

I have personally experienced the power of forming a PLN using Twitter. It will transform the way you view PD. However, I want to point out that Twitter is also a powerful tool for students to connect with teachers and experts!

If you haven't started using Twitter -- do not fret. You can lurk on Twitter to get the hang of it before starting to add to the conversation. When you do start contributing you will be amazed at the results!

Here is a great article about using Twitter for PD:
http://www.edutopia.org/twitter-professional-development-technology-microblogging

Some how-tos and some Twitter Chats related to education:
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/twitter-expanding-pln

You can get started by following Dr. Roy (@BASDSUPT) at Jack Silva (@basdjacksilva) to learn about district news.

• Liberty High School Twitter -@LibertyHigh
• Freedom High School Guidance Twitter - @FHSGuidance

I recently found an application called Tweetdeck to help me see the tweets of my favorite people a little easier. It is available to install in the Chrome Web Browser or as a standalone application. More information is located here.