Just 3 easy steps to jumpstart your own PLN!

[Frank]

For those looking to get started in an overwhelming topic such as Connectivism, I suggest the following startup steps:

Microblogging
STEP 1.) Set up an account on Twitter and/or Plurk. You can start a small network in each by adding the following people from my networks (then grow your own personalized network from there):

Twitter: metaweb20, coolcatteacher, langwitches, courosa, lizbdavis, shareski, grahamstanley, MaggieMarat, suewaters

Plurk: metaweb, fsinfo, lizbdavis, GingerTPLC, kevinh, n2teaching

Social/Professional Network
STEP 2.) Join META: Mexico English Teachers' Alliance which can serve as your home social and professional networking site (includes discussion forums, groups, photos and video sharing, chat, e-portfolios, blogs, and more). Sign up today.

Start Reading Blogs
STEP 3.) Don't set up your own blog just yet (unless you already have one). It is better to start reading a variety (EFL teachers, educational technology professionals, instructional materials writers, etc.) of educator blogs to get a feel for things and for getting into the mode of commenting on other people's blogs. You can start by reading on a daily basis blogs from 21st century teachers profiled on my blog, The 21st Century Teacher (21CT). Just click on the teacher's blog link in the far right column of the 21CT blog. Be sure to comment on posts that interest you .. and voila! .. you are already publishing. When you feel ready, simply start your own educational blog at edublogs.org or some other free blog service.

Virtual Worlds
Optional step for the brave of heart, mind, and spirit: Set up your virtual worlds avatar account on Second Life. Then be sure to also join the META Second Life Group for further guidance and support. We will be doing a series of "field trips" through Second Life to familiarize you with its vast and varied potential as a professional development tool and for learner engagement. See my virtual worlds Flickr album for inspiration.

[Frank]

Also check this out from the every popular Sue Waters, PLN Yourself.