Location, Location, Location

Would you like to build your readership AND your professional learning network (PLN)?

Have you thought of joining a network related to your field?

Since I teach, I have several networks through which I connect to others. You can share your blog posts with them there also.

1. Twitter: Many have already written about Twitter’s 140 microblogging strategy to share great ideas with followers.  For a how-to, see Mashable’s Guidebook . If you have personal, school, or other accounts, use a platform such as HootSuite to monitor and tweet from any of them. To understand how you can be in the conversation, see this analysis at the Digital Substitute by Shawn Urban.
2. Facebook: I dislike Facebook, but it’s ubiquitous. I keep my page private and disable most applications, games, gifts, etc. I make sure the settings don’t allow use of my “friends” information either.I update my status on Facebook from Twitter with a #fb at the end of my tweet. Finally, I do not link from other places (like commenting, or joining a new site) through my Facebook account; I sign-up with an account for that site instead.  Yes, it’s another name/password, but it won’t be invaded by or gobbled up by Facebook, either. For a How To on Facebook, see ReadWriteWeb’s tips. Read the Facebook privacy page frequently. Click on “Preview my Profile” to check.  Sophos provides good tips also.
3. LinkedIn: A network for with job profiles and career connections.
4. LearnCentral: A professional network started by Steve Hargadon to create connections, work in groups, hold “meeting rooms” via Elluminate, etc.
5. Classroom 20: A ning started by Steve Hargadon to create connections, work in groups, discuss in forums all things Web 2.0.
6. Classroom Live 2.0: This extension of Classroom 2.0 provides links to free professional development to pedagogical, practical, and professional application of Web 2.0 tools.
7. English Companion: This ning network for all connected to English teaching is started by Jim Burke and offers groups, discussions, book clubs, forums on all things English in the 21st Century.
8. Edutopia: George Lucas’s educational foundation includes research-based strategies for today; join a community group for inspiring lessons, tips, and strategies.
9. EdTechTalk , Teachers Teaching Teachers, and Seedlings: Podcasts and live webinars for professional development (not to join, but I’ve learned much here). Driving Forces: Paul Allison, Susan Ettenheim, Alice Mercer,  Bob Sprankle.
10. Teachers First: Last, but definitely not least! A terrific resource that reviews Web 2.0 tools for use within the classroom and provides free OK2ASk webinars to show how.

Of course, as bloggers in education, we also look for opportunities to connect students with others in projects that enhance the objectives our curricula in global interactions, sharing cultures and online social responsibility as global citizens. These programs provide these opportunities:

1. Projects by Jen: Jen Wagner‘s marvelous projects to connect classes Preschool-Grade 6.
2. Teachers Connecting: A place to connect to others by Ben Hazzard— simple, but effective.
3. VoiceThread Wiki: Connect for VoiceThread projects created by Colette Cassinelli
4. Around The World With 80 Schools: Join this site by Silvia Tolisano to connect to others around the world in a Skype project.
5. Global Education: A site by Lucy Gray to connect classrooms globally.

And, of course, add your blog to the Edublogs Directory !

Many more networks exist; these just seemed appropriate for our learning.

Please add your recommendations for building readership by building your network! Add in the comments below or in this Google Spreadsheet: Build Your Network.

Photo Credit:

Puzzle Connections: CC30 by lumaxart at Flickr