It's tough having resources at you fingertips!

I don't know if I'm getting old and cranky, but, a few months ago, I was pretty skeptical as to how Twitter and Google Reader were going to save me time.  Having resources available at my fingertips is great, but having to read through endless feeds is a bit overwhelming.  So, I've come to a compromise.  I scan the feeds in both and use them as research tools.  I'm happy to report that they haven't failed me yet! However, I think it's time to take Twitter and Google Reader to the next level.  I came across this article, 50 Great Ways to Grow Your Personal Learning Network, via New Stephen's Lighthouse.  From 50 recommendations, I have focused on five that I think will take me to the next level in my PLN.

1. DON'T JUST CONSUME, CONTRIBUTE. The most important element of building a PLN? Don't be a lurker! Throw in your own two cents from time to time, help out others, and play an active role in the online community. I think because I'm learning so much from all the great resources out there, I feel like whatever I have to say has been said.  That being said, I'm still an individual within my own unique context.  And, after all this learning, I must have something to contribute!
2. BE YOURSELF! The whole point of being part of an online community is to offer your own unique perspective and ideas, so don't try to be someone you're not.  It's not that I'm trying to be someone else, but I am trying to present my professional self.  In person, I like these discussions, but I also like to joke around. Does humour have a place on my blog?  Maybe my posts would be more interesting to read!
3. TAG PEOPLE IN LINKS YOU THINK THEY'LL LIKE. Found a link you want to make sure certain Twitter friends will see? Just tag them. You can also tag great links with hashtags so that anyone interested in that topic can easily find your tweets. I didn't know you could do this! I think I would definitely pay more attention to a tweet if someone tagged me.  I think I'll try this out!
4. SUPPORT OTHERS. If you really want to grow your PLN, then you need to comment on other blogs. The idea is that you'll spark a conversation, and that blogger will start reading and commenting on your blog in kind.  That makes sense.  My blog is up and rolling, but there haven't been a lot of comments, so I don't feel as motivated to post.  Richardson, (2009) says this is true for students too: "...comments are a powerful motivator of student writing in blogs, especially when those comments come from sources outside of the classroom walls" (p. 30).  In hindsight, I haven't been commenting on other people's blogs!  I think a little reciprocation is in order!
5. PARTICIPATE IN WEBINARS. Webinars are easy ways to learn more without even having to leave home. You'll be able to learn from an expert and engage with other participants before and after the event. With all the great webinars out there, I'm surprised I haven't taken part in one yet.  This is definitely on my "to-do" list.  

References

50 Great Ways to Grow Your Personal Learning Network. (2011). OnlineCollege.org. Retrieved from http://www.onlinecollege.org/2011/10/26/50-great-ways-to-grow-your-personal-learning-network/ 

Richardson, W. (2009). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.