Social Networking

Social networking sites are not just a way to keep up with old friends. Sure, that's how they start for many of us, but soon we begin to realize they can be useful for much more. What about using them for professional development?
Of all the ways to use a social networking site, this one may be the most common: one jumps from topic to topic, or page to page, 'listening in' on what others have to say. No links are made, and no networks are developed, but lurking has its purpose: it is one of the fastest ways to find out what others are thinking about a topic. Instead of getting caught up in the conversation, one can jump from point to point instantly, taking in as much as possible in the shortest amount of time. Many social networking sites make this easy by listing all of the updates others have made in order from newest to oldest. Of course, we often don't remain a lurker on our favorite site for long.
Our next steps are usually jumping in on the conversation. After taking a few minutes to learn the ropes in a new arena, we often want to join a few conversations, adding our own take on a topic of interest. By adding to what is already said, we can help reach others who may still be lurking around. The more partakers in a conversation, the more likely it will be to reach a well examined conclusion. Starting a conversation or setting our own updates, of course, can help us keep everyone informed of what is going on in our own lives. This can be as simple as "getting ready for work" (like I am right now), but, for someone attempting to use these sites as professional links, they should probably be a bit more involved. Have a question? Ask your network. Made an epiphany? Bring it up and see who agrees, who is going to try it, and who has a suggestion.
This brings us full circle. Someone else just had a question, and we get to answer it. So did our friend, and someone we don't yet have in our network. We all brought out good points, and the original poster has an arsenal to choose from and apply the best answer to the exact situation; we have also found someone to add to our network. Next, a friend posts their own epiphany. We go to work, and apply the new idea, and in the process, we tweak it a bit, and it works flawlessly. From our nearest link, we send the update to the site. The world is happy. At the end of the day, we post, "I'm tired." Someone else likes it, and another says, "Me too". Before we log off, though, someone else has a question, and we have to post our answer. It just might change the world.



We all know our favorite social networking sites: maybe we like Twitter, or Linkdin, or Facebook, or something else. If you know a good site for professional developing, please post it here. In the meantime, I have a few other sites here that educators might find useful (not exactly social networking sites, but related nonetheless):
37 Signals- managing site; made for small business, but great for class website
**http://37signals.com/**
My Own DB- Online, customized database
http://www.myowndb.com
School Tool- Do everything classroom related! Grades, lesson planning, homework, etc
http://www.schooltool.org/
Teamwork Live- project managing, tracking, and collaborating
http://www.teamworklive.com/TeamWork.htm
Vyew- Online meetings/ conferences
http://vyew.com/site/