Drafting 7 PLN Game Changers

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On the evening of the NFL Draft, I began contemplating what it would look like if I had to "draft" the folks that make up my super, awesome personal learning network. Here is what my "PLN Draft" would look like, rounds 1 - 7.

ROUND ONE - Edudemic (Jeff Dunn & Katie Lepi)
Twitter = @edudemic
Google+ = +Edudemic

Scouting Report: A steady stream of helpful information for improving education, improving teacher effectiveness, and enhancing learning for students.

ROUND TWO - Edutopia (A George Lucas Foundation)
Twitter = @edutopia
Google+ = +Edutopia

Scouting Report: Daily posts that are rich in detail and support material. Covering a wide range of educational topics.

ROUND THREE - Mindshift (Tina Barseghian)
Twitter = @MindShiftKQED
Google+ = +MindShift +Tina Barseghian

Scouting Report: Posts hit my email inbox first thing in the morning. I retweet 3/4 of what MindShift sends me. High quality information with wide-ranging topics about learning and innovation in education.

ROUND FOUR - Free Technology for Teachers (Richard Byrne)
Twitter = @rmbyrne
Google+ = +Free Technology for Teachers +Richard Byrne

Scouting Report: As with MindShift, Free Technology for Teachers arrives by Gmail every morning with a handful of terrific tips for supporting learning with instructional technology. I usually find at least one daily tip that is worth sharing with my colleagues and students.

ROUND FIVE - Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day (Larry Ferlazzo)
Twitter = @Larryferlazzo
Google+ = +Larry Ferlazzo

Scouting Report: The sheer volume of Larry's work is mind boggling. I learn something new and interesting from Larry every day.

ROUND SIX - The Principal of Change (George Couros)
Twitter = @gcouros
Google+ = +George Couros

Scouting Report: George is a key player in my PLN. He is the reason that I have stepped up my blogging game. Leadership and learning are the focus, but life lessons keep it real. Well-written and always insightful.

ROUND SEVEN - My Island View (Tom Whitby)
Twitter = @tomwhitby
The Educator's PLN & SmartBlogs

Scouting Report: I recently met Tom at ICE 2013. He was moving chairs in the resort corridor and I incorrectly concluded that he was a member of the wait staff. Tom's digital footprint is impressive and his emphasis on connected learning speaks truth to me. Like my other draft choices, he shares honestly and transparently.

My PLN has far too many supporters to mention in a single post. I limited my scope to seven rounds to mirror the NFL Draft. These are the folks that I have a daily online relationship with. Other influential folks that I highly recommend following include; Alan November, Will Richardson, Daniel Pink, Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, Angela Maiers, Vicki Davis, Steven Anderson, Eric Sheninger, Scott McLeod, Kathy Schrock, and Shannon Miller. Check out who I am following on Twitter - they are all winners!

What about you? Who are the stalwarts in your personal learning network?

Please use the comment box below to mention your favorite PLN members and where we can connect with them.

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Nocking the Arrow

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