Shorter nights, football practice, new backpacks, laptops tuned up . . . Yes, summer is ending and that means -- school! Let the authentic learning begin. In our rapidly changing world, we realize that learning must be continuous if we are to stay competitive in our profession. Knowing that learning is social helps us understand the basic premise of PLNs - Personal Learning Networks. As AIW grows, staying connected face-to-face becomes increasingly harder. Building an online PLN around authentic teaching and learning will create a virtual cohort of educators in the field who can support one another by sharing knowledge, challenging ideas, and exploring best practices.
Twitter, Facebook, and RSS feeds are three social media platforms that will help you network with like-minded learners as you build your PLN. Although some of us may be involved in other online communities, the AIW community is just starting to connect. Join us and others as we share our ideas virtually.
Twitter is the shorthand version of blogging. The 140-character Tweet can relay information in a small space. The Center for Authentic Intellectual Work has established its own Twitter hashtag #AIWreform. Using this hashtag quickly connects you to other educators.
Not signed up for Twitter? Check out this quick tutorial: HowtoSignUpforaTwitterAccount.
Although many people use Facebook to communicate with friends and family, it can also be used to supplement learning. A simple post can lead to comments and suggestions from your readers or examples of how those educators have handled that issue. Book recommendations, links to beneficial articles, examples of student work -- all of these may be added to the site. The Center would like to introduce its newly established FacebookPage. 
Not signed up for Facebook? Watch the following tutorial: HowtoSignUpforaFacebookAccount.
Another online tool to help build your PLN is RSS (Really Simple Syndication). An RSS feed helps you manage new information added to your favorite websites. One immediate benefit is that you won’t have to remember to check for blog updates; they will arrive in your RSS feed for you to read at your leisure. Following the Center’s blog is as simple as clicking on “SubscribetotheBlog,” which will let you choose your preferred RSS reader and begin receiving the feed.
Not sure of how to access or use RSS? Check out this tutorial: RSS: HowtoSubscribetoanRSSFeed.
For those of you who are tech savvy, mentioning the three platforms will be enough for you to begin exploring and adding to your PLN. For those of you who are just starting your PLN, future blogs will explain the purpose, benefits, and skills around each platform.
Meanwhile, enjoy the last of the warm weather, finish up your summer reading, and buy a pot of sunny yellow mums. And as you begin the new school year, don’t neglect your own learning -- start a Personal Learning Network.