Social Networking

“Social networking refers to the aspect of Web 2.0 that allows users to create links between their online presence such as a webpage or a collection of photos.  These links may be through joining online groups or by assigning direct links to other users through lists of “friends” or contacts” (Solomon & Schrum p 80).

 

Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest are the social networking sites that I have been using for a while.  I can use all three sites for personal and professional.  I LOVE Pinterest! That is so far my favorite social networking site. 

 

Pinterest is an online pinboard, a visual take on the social networking site.  Unlike other social networking sites, such as Diigo, content shared on Pinterest is driven entirely by pictures.  Like every other social networking Pinterest has its own lingo.  Each bookmark is called a pin and when you share someone else’s pin it is called a repin.  You can group pins together by topic onto various boards in your profile.  Pinterest allows you to share images you find online or you can directly upload images onto Pinterest.  Using the Pin It button, you can share directly in your browser from any web page.  You can also share your pins on Twitter and Facebook.

 

I searched “Autism” on Pinterest and found several pins.  Here are a few of the links:

 

http://www.activitieschildren.net/2013/08/SocialSkillsActivitiesForKidsWithAutism.html

http://autism.lovetoknow.com/Free_Lesson_Plans_for_Autistic_Kids

http://autism.lovetoknow.com/Social_Skills_Activities_for_Kids_with_Autism

Below are resource links for diverse learners from Pinterest:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Printable-Lesson-Plan-Template-for-Teachers-Think-Diverse-Learners-1044359

http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/MichelleMcFarland-McDaniels/differentiated-acid-rain-lesson-plan-and-reflection

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Design-a-Store-Just-Print-Differentiated-Math-Project-635603

https://www.teachervision.com/learning-disabilities/printable/6727.html

edWeb is another social networking site I joined.  edWeb.net is a professional social and learning network that makes is easy for anyone in the education community to connect with peers, share information and best practices, spread innovative ideas, and provide professional development.

edWeb offers blogs, discussion forms, resource library, photo albums, bloglinks, and weblinks.  I searched “Autism” on edWeb and there are a ton of resources available.  edWeb also has 37 Boards with 316 Pins on Pinterest! How cool is that!

The Educator’s PLN Ning is a social networking site offers several different resources for educators.  The offer tutorials for Web 2.0 Apps such as Insta Grok, Pinterest, Prezi, Evernote, EasyBib SmartBrief, and Dropbox to name a few.  I found this very convenient because all the tutorials are all in one place.  The site also offers student created videos and podcasts.  Under the Resource tap, I can across “The Differentiator.” The Differentiator is based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, Sandra Kaplan’s Flip Book and Flip Book, Too, and David Chung’s product menu.  Below is the link to The Differentiator:

http://byrdseed.com/differentiator/#

I also searched “diverse learners” on The Educator’s PLN Ning and 334 results popped up ranging from students with autism to best math apps to test your students skills with examination online skill testing software. 

iPad in Education Ning is a great social networking site.  The site offers iPad apps for K-6, Educators Essentials iPad Toolkit, and Parents Guide to Educational iPad Games.  Loved all the suggestions!

The site also offers weekly discussions.  This week’s topic is “Your most effective media project.” These discussions will be a great resource to any educator. The site also has blog posts and forums.

You can follow iPads in Education Ning on Twitter - # iPadEd.