The gaps can be filled using social media: the use of social networks to find sources of expertise or offer your own expertise to others content sharing (text, screencasts, podcasts, etc.) Tags: social networking I write this as I travel to Birmingham to participate in a panel discussion with Nick Shackleton-Jones and Robin Hoyle on the role of social media in learning. The discussion forms part of the agenda for the World of Learning Conference, an event that I have enjoyed participating in for something like ten years now. In some cases the results have been transformational. MORE >>

Again, some great resources, and well worded reasoning, on what and staff members can do on networks like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc in a professional manner about their work, but not linked or attributed officially to their employer. Colorado State University – [Draft] Social Media Policy.This covers all official accounts on Social Networks that represent CSU rather than covering staff use of Social media for personal reasons based on what they work on. Washington State University – Social Networking Guidelines. SAP -  Social Media Guidelines 2009. MORE >>

Her topic– personal learning networks, also known as PLNs. Educators today are pursuing professional development by building their very own Professional (or Personal) Learning Networks (PLNs). PLNs connect them with a global network of contacts and resources. There are two main types of tools for building a Professional Learning Network: information aggregation and social media connection. An Educator’s Professional Learning Network. Ning is a fully functional social networking site. List of Networks to Join. What is a PLN? Groups. MORE >>

Google Plus is making waves among technology savvy social networkers. This is a more manageable approach for dealing with the humongous amount of incoming data that social networks generate. As an early user, none of my ‘real’ social network peers were on it yet and it made me follow a large number of Google product engineering folks, developers from other companies, and technology journalists and yes, I also follow Mark Zuckerberg, who it seems is the most ‘followed’ person on Plus right now. Social Learning Google Google Plus Social Networks MORE >>

George Siemens and Stephen Downes are co-facilitating an online course titled Connectivism, Networked Learning and Connective Knowledge from January 12th 2011. Connectivism, Networked Learning, Connective Knowledge course is a post from: E-Learning Curve Blog. learning Connective Knowledge connectivism elluminate George Siemens learning models learning theory Networked Learning online learning program Stephen Downes university of manitoba MORE >>