How should I start with Social Networking?

Over the past few days people have asked me how they should start with Social Networking. This is an interesting question for me since I just jumped into it like I jump into everything else. However, one thing I think I do well is help people ease their way into technology.


Usually the previous questions is a prelude to "How do I use it in my business, classroom, etc." If it is you asking these questions, I have a few pieces of advice. Putting first things first, you should definitely get comfortable with the media before trying to launch your professional persona into the fray. Then when you're ready it's time to dive in (I love that part!).


The first step is to ever so gently create a Facebook account. Facebook is relatively easy to get into and there are plenty of people already using it. Here is a link to a tutorial for creating the account and getting set up: http://www.allfacebook.com/facebook-tutorials/facebook-profile-tutorial



The next step is to invite the people you know that are close friends and family that you don't mind sharing your life details with. Then you can start to branch out into extended family and friends of friends. (Unless of course you are a social butterfly like me and go out and friend all kinds of people.)


You will soon learn that the stream of consciousness from your friends and relatives may be a bit overwhelming at times. I have started to treat it like a constant family reunion. I can't listen to everyone in the room, but I can catch tidbits of interesting information that I can follow up on.


Get involved with this, and next time we will discuss how to use Facebook to begin building a social presence.


(If you have any helpful tidbits or questions please post them.)

Breakout Sessions at WA-ACTE Conference in Seattle

I have been accepted to host a couple of breakout sessions at the 2011 WA-ACTE Summer Conference. The session will discuss integrating Social Networking tools to create engaging learning environments and the integrated use of Tegrity, Elluminate (sorry Blackboard Collaborate), and Google Docs.

There has been nothing but positive feedback from people as I discuss the topic, particularly regarding building community within online learning environments. I believe that this area will be the next area of social innovation as we try to make sense out of learning and living in the 21st century.

If you are interested in the speaker's notes and slide deck I will be posting them shortly after the conference. Of course it will come with a price: a repost on the social network of your choice. ;)

Mahalo