2. "For the first time in history, we know now how to store virtually all humanity's most important information and make it available, almost instantly, in almost any form, to almost anyone on earth. We also know how to do that in great new ways so that people can interact with it, and learn from it” (Dryden & Vos, 2005). Online information is utilized in many different ways. As an educators, we need to find appropriate avenues to control our own professional development. With the multitude of networks available online, our options are vast.

3. One way for us to utilize online resources for professional development is to utilize a Personal Learning Network (PLN). Wikipedia states: Personal Learning Networks consist of the people a learner interacts with and derives knowledge from in a Personal Learning Environment. An important part of this concept is the theory of connectivism.... Learners create connections and develop a network that contributes to their professional development and knowledge. (Personal Learning Networks, 2011) PLN in simple terms: YouTube videoYouTube video

4. The Educator’s PLN is a Ning site dedicated to the support of a Personal Learning Network for EducatorsThe Educator’s PLN –videosvideos –groupsgroups –forumsforums I recently joined the “elemchat” group which helps to provide elementary school educators a location for discussing issues and strategies that are specific to teaching in the elementary school context. Since I utilize twitter (imaknight), I can follow them at elemchat.imaknightelemchat

5. Classroom 2.0 was started in March of 2007 by Steve Hargadon.Classroom 2.0 This social network is for those interested in Web 2.0 and Social Media in education. Allows members to participate in discussions, receive event notifications, and find and connect with colleagues. Classroom 2.0 is a free, community- supported network. Classroom 2.0 offers: Discussions Webinars Specific Groups

6. Educator’s PLN I have been a member of the the 1:1 Sustainability and Feasibility which has helped me with resources as my school pilots and moves to a 1:1 laptop environment.1:1 Sustainability and Feasibility This group shares ideas, implementations, methods and more on how to effectively implement 1:1 computing programs that are economically feasible and sustainable in K-20 education. I appreciate the innovative idea sharing and reminder emails about web conferences and other professional development opportunities they offer online. This group has helped me immeasurable with my current position as my school’s technology leader as I help implement 21 st century skills. Classroom 2.0 I recently found Educator’s PLN and have joined their “elemchat” group to help broaden my knowledge. Using information systems allows professionals to acquire knowledge when it is feasible to their schedule. Teachers can utilize a PLN on a basis that is cognoscente of their time constraints. The “News Share” portion of this site has wonderful information that is happening currently. Site contains information such as, helpful advice for blogging, possible harmful sites, and even advice for recent graduates wanting to enter the teaching field. Educator’s PLN has a link to a live stream for the Twitter discussion for hash-tag edchat. “More and more, Higher Education (both in high school and University) are benefiting from the Internet and its resources. A variety of systems are used to support teaching-learning activities in the school and the university and to satisfy lifelong learning needs, mostly with the help of the Web” (Cartelli, 2006).

7. “No school is an isolated entity providing a specific portion of basic education within a particular community – it is a part of a continuum or a pipeline of institutions, which together form an educational pipeline through which groups of students pass” (Tolley & Shulruf, 2009).

8. The Educator’s PLNClassroom 2.0

9. Leanne Knight Data StoragePhoto Sharing Social Network Sites TwitterPodcastsWikisBlogs Video Conferencing Social Bookmarking Curriculum Documents (online) Conferences

10. Using Information systems helps to focus a professional’s ability to find pertinent professional development. Information systems make this possible since people can now contact each other over the internet in a multitude of ways at practically no cost. Utilizing a host of information systems is paramount to personal learning networks. Teachers can find a variety of options within Facebook, Ning, Twitter, Diigo, etc.

11. Cartelli, A. (2006). Semantics, ontologies and information systems in education: Concerns and proposals. Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology,Vol3. Retrieved on April 20, 2011, from http://informingscience.org/proceedings/InSITE2006/IISITCart211.pdf Dryden, G., & Vos, J., (2005). The New Learning Revolution: How Britain Can Lead the World in Learning, Education, and Schooling. UK: Network Educational Press Ltd. p. 127. Personal Learning Networks. (2011 April 10). In Wikipedia Retrieved on April 21, 201, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_Learning_Networks Tolley, H., & Shulruf, B. (2009). From data to knowledge: The interaction between data management systems in educational institutions and the delivery of quality education. Sketchy Explanation: Starting a PLN. (2010 June 27). Retrieved on April 21, 2011 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqSH5TMYlz4