This document discusses using social media for professional learning and development. It outlines the benefits of professional learning networks (PLNs) such as self-directed learning and collaborative connections. It provides steps for building a PLN including lurking in different venues, setting a manageable time commitment, and engaging in conversations. Finally, it lists specific social media venues and resources for early childhood educators to utilize, such as Twitter hashtags, communities of practice, and blogs.
4. Some Benefits of
Professional Learning Networks (PLN’s)
• Self-Directed Learning
• Learning at Our Own Time & Our Own Pace
• Collaborative, Creative Connections
• Sharing Resources
• Brainstorming & Reflection
• Diverse Perspectives & Ideas
• Answers to Questions & Even Questions you hadn’t Considered
5. Steps in Building a PLN
• Lurk in Different Venues
• Set a Manageable Amount of Time
• Learn Communal Norms
• Accept Offers To Help
• Post Resources
• Engage in Conversation
• Be Playful & Positive
6. Some Social Media Venues
• Webinars
• Twitter
• Communities of Practice (CoP’s)
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Google Plus
• Social Bookmarking - Diigo, Delicious, Pinterest
• Blogging
7. Free Webinars For
Early Childhood Educators
• http://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.com by Early Childhood Investigations
• http://hatchearlylearning.com/resources/events/early-learning-expert-webinars/ by Hatch
8. Twitter: Resources To Get Started
• Intro to Twitter Pt 1: Creating Your Account by Jeff Bradbury of TeacherCast
• Intro to Twitter: Choosing an Avatar, Bio, and composing your first Tweet by Jeff Bradbury o
• Cybraryman: How To Take Part in A Twitter Chat (cybraryman.com)
• An Educators’ Guide To Twitter by Steven Anderson
9. Some Early Childhood Educators
To Follow on Twitter
Recommended by cybraryman.com (@cybraryman1)
• @PreKPages
• @KarenNemethEDM
• @Debchitwood
• @NotJustCute
• @Cherylgolangco
10. Twitter Hashtags & Chats
for Early Childhood Educators
• #ecetechchat 9 PM Eastern Time Every Other Wednesday
• #kinderchat 9 PM Eastern Time Mondays
• #ecetech
• #teachpreschool
• #earlyed
• #prek
11. Communities of Practice (CoP’s)
• http://edupln.ning.com The Educators’ PLN - Early Childhood Education Group
• http://www.edutopia.org Early Childhood Group Discussions
12. Facebook
Early Childhood Education Groups
• Early Childhood ROCK
• Hatch Early Childhood
13. LinkedIn
Early Childhood Education Groups
• Early Childhood Education Network
• Early Childhood Professionals Group
14. Google Plus
Early Childhood Communities
& Hangouts
• Early Childhood Educators
• Teach Preschool
16. Blogging
• Follow Blogs by Early Childhood Educators: See
http://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/top-blogs/early-
childhood-education/
• Share Posts on Social Media
• Comment on Posts
• Consider Blogging Yourself