Blog Post Week 4: Twitter as a PLN - How do I feel?

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Blog Post Week 4: Twitter as a PLN - How do I feel?

I've successfully used Twitter for 4 weeks now.  As someone who is relatively comfortable with social media sources, I do find it odd that I've always considered Twitter to be somewhat daunting.  It always felt like, "one more thing" and I already spent more time than I would like to admit on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

After using it for a few weeks, I've learned a few things.  For one, it's not difficult.  For a tool that might seem daunting, it's relatively easy to pick up, especially when you've used other social media platforms before as well.  If there is something I can't figure out, everything about Twitter is on Google, so it can be learned quickly.

As a PLN, it really is a central hub for quick learning.  Everything is right at your fingertips.  You can read article after article of topics that interest you, and you can quickly find yourself going down a (positive) rabbit hole of information.  Links lead to other links, pages lead to other pages, and soon enough, my 5 minute Twitter check has turned into 30 minutes. 

I've personally been following a lot of pages like "Forbes" or news sites for business articles, but I also love being able to see what my peers are posting.  I love the ability we have to share information, through retweeting articles or posts we find interesting.  It creates great discussion during class, or even outside of class.

Have you ever been in a situation when you're around someone, and conversation comes to a bit of a lull?  Who hasn't, right?  Well, just recently I found myself in that situation, and an article I read through Twitter came to mind.  It quickly prompted a new conversation, and it was fun!  Being engaged on Twitter can really help you become a more well rounded and educated individual.  It promotes global learning.  We're so centered on our own interests, and our own geographic area, that it can be a really great tool to explore areas outside our comfort zone.

I plan on participating in my first Twitter chat very soon, and I look forward to being able to communicate and share ideas in real time with individuals from around the world.

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