Article 2: Join The Flock (NETS-T IV)

Journal 2

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock. US, Canada: ISTE international society for technology in education.

This first journal is called “Join the flock” it is all about how to use twitter as an excellent source for gathering learning material. It does this through the use of a professional learning network or PLN. It explains that twitter can be used to enhance ones own abilities to do research, mostly due to the fact that there are people out there who have already done the research and set up links in order for you to locate that research more easily. It also explains that you do not ever have to say anything to anyone on twitter you can simply follow a person and learn what they learn by reading tweets and following links to blogs and pages of info. It then tells how to take the next steps into enhancing your twitter experience and really getting everything that twitter has to offer.

Q: At what point does twitter move from being a simple social networking device into a full-fledged tap of learning potential?
A: I think that twitter is an important resource as long as you are able to use it correctly. I think that the ability it gives to connect with people from all over the world is phenomenal, when you develop relations with these other people and they are truly looking to give you the best advice they can then I think that is when you are truly using twitter to its full potential.

Q: Is twittering an acceptable resource to use for everyone?
A: I do think that everyone can use twitter successfully. I am still a bit skeptical on its uses for me but I think that is still because I’m not fully comfortable in using it. I think that the more comfortable I get with using it the more I will be able to call upon in for information that I am seeking.