Personal Learning Networks... A Reflection

My Prompt:

Reflect on how your personal learning network has changed and grown during the course of this workshop. Discuss your plans for how you plan to continue to grow your learning network and how you hope to contribute to the professional learning of your administrative colleagues.

Well, here it goes:

After reading, thinking, elaborating my position on the Web 2.0 issue, I've come full circle.  I embrace the idea of making information more accessible so that we can "get the word out"; never did go against that concept.  However, I urge you all to consider one thought when using Web 2.0 tools:  DUE DILIGENCE.  Be cautious, careful, and most of all, ready to clarify to anyone about your purpose in using these tools.  I plan on using these tools to help ease my transition from caveman to "human"  (wink).  In all seriousness, I plan on growing (and have been growing them... shhhhhh) via Facebook, e-Learning, and other means.  I'm in constant search via google for stuff in my line of work.  If the web page I'm viewing has a "add this" or a "follow" link to social media (I have FB), I post it on my wall.  I'm a firm believer that we don't stop learning... it's that how & what we learn changes daily.  The lesson I wanted to teach you all pertains to being what I call "Cautiously Optimistic"... I hope that you all use these tools for their intent and that nobody gets "burned" by them.  Careers have been ruined due to abuse, and many have had legal issues with them too.  But that's because they've done some foolish things... don't get me wrong, if you're wrong, you're wrong.  For my district, I'm going to present my Action Plan to my Principal and hope that some of my Action Plan can be implemented.  I know we can do it and be successful, especially with the podcasting side of the plan.  We have all the resources right now so why not use them in the right fashion I say!!!  Innovation and Creativity are things I revel in, but tactfully!

One final thought:  err on the side of caution... good intentions must have good results!!!

Best,

Shawn