Thing 21

Social Networks continued... I found this task enjoyable because the searches were more tailored to networks that I could relate to and use. I didn't need to worry about trying to find friends to communicate with or trying to refine searches as much as I needed to with MySpace and FaceBook. I like the fact that these sites were based on common interests that related to my profession. Here are some of my favorites...It was interesting to read the comments about To Kill A Mockingbird on the Minnesota Readers site. My son is reading the book in English class and we were discussing it on the way home this evening. The Minnesota Life article, People Like Me Should Never Play Golf by Greg Schiller, was hilarious! I liked both the 23 Things on a Stick Ning and the Teacher Librarian Ning because it felt like the network was focused, not vast like the Facebook or MySpace networks.

• Are you a member of any online communities? I have been a member of LM_Net for a couple of years. I enjoy reading the current topics and I also use the archive for a reference. This year they added an LM_Net Wiki. Something to check out.
  
• Are any of these social networks appealing to you? I will go back and use the 23 Things On a Stick Ning and Teacher Librarian Ning.
  
• What did you find that was interesting and that you might use later? WebJunction looked like it was a great reference. I was impressed by the number of reference links and how many things were partially funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Will definitely revisit the site.