Fueling Your Professional Growth Through Social Media

In last week’s blog post, we focused on the use of social media as a teaching and learning tool. We specifically discussed how social media can be used to enhance online course discussions by keeping the conversation going outside of the classroom environment and by inviting others such as subject matter experts and practicing professionals to join the discussion. Other than adding to the conversation by sharing additional resources and real world examples of things taking place in the specific area of study or field of practice, what other benefits exist to allowing outside participants the opportunity to participate in online course discussions?

Creating and growing a personal learning network (PLN) is another benefit to inviting outside participants into your classroom. A PLN is a network of professionals who have conversations and share resources regarding their specific field. PLNs can include colleagues who work down the hall from you or on the other side of the globe. By connecting to others within their field, students are beginning to create their own personal learning network (PLN) and faculty remain current on happenings in their field by reviewing and sharing resources with colleagues. Free web-based tools such as Twitter, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, blogs, and wikis have made it easier to grow, stay connected, and contribute to your PLN.

Could social media be the fuel needed to start and continue to grow a PLN? Interested in learning more about PLNs and how they can be of value to both you and your students? Check out some of the resources below and learn how other professionals utilize social media to enhance their PLNs.

Doctors Use Social Media for Continuous Medical Education

10 Ways Twitter Makes Me a Better Educator

Social Media Vital to Professional Development

The Social Media Guide to Growing Your Personal Learning Network

10 Simple Ways to Build Your Personal Learning Network

Teacher’s Using Twitter as a Virtual PLN