Have you ever had that feeling at the pit of your stomach that you're forgetting to do something? I often have this feeling when packing for a trip - I always forget something important. It never fails, even if I create the most detailed list, I always forget something : )
In the age of social networking I often feel this way, but its getting better. There are so many things to check on a daily basis - your Facebook page, your twitter feeds, blogs you subscribe to, news websites you enjoy, personal e-mail, work e-mail and much more! If you let it, your personal network can overtake your life and actually make it harder to get work done. It is important to simplify your network to the point that it doesn't overtake your responsibilities. Make sure your social networking makes it easier for you to work and communicate.
Once you have learned how to manage your social networking, it can become a valuable piece of your teaching toolbox. Your social network can be designed to bring information that can be valuable to you and your classroom right to you. No longer do we have to spend hours searching for information or answers - by sending out a question in the form a tweet we could get answers from all corners of the globe. Students who are a part of your social network have easy access to their teacher for questions, feedback or just gaining information. (Of course there are different boundaries between you and students than you and friends - don't get them confused with each other!)
Social networking can also provide an escape from your professional life. Connecting with friends and family can keep you grounded and prevent what I call internet tunnel vision. Often as teachers we become so focused on searching for information that we loose sight of the bigger picture. We can also get a different perspective of people who we connect with on a personal level versus a professional level. Personal connections sometimes allow us to let some of our guard down and let more of our personality shine through.
Don't look at networking as a chore and remember that networking should make your life less complicated and more connected!
Your perspective on the benefits of social networking was refreshing and insightful. Through my personal Facebook account, I have seen a fun side of people that is not always made visible with face-to-face interactions. Managing your social network is very important!
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