My PLN

A personal learning network is formed when you have a network of people and information sources that you turn to when you have questions, need advice, or want a sounding board. It is comprised of the magazines you subscribe to, the websites that you read regularly, parents and friends, colleagues, etc. (taken from Prof. Brunsell's site).
Over the past 6 years of teaching I have had a PLN, but as was mentioned on our PLN page, I did not know it. I am one that asks for help and advice from more experienced faculty. I figure that they have been around longer and have dealt with similar situations in the past, therefore, they should be able to tell me what they have done. Of course, I don't always agree and I may not use their input, but I value them. I have had a very close relationship over the last few years with the other biology teacher and our chemistry teacher. They have been very valuable to my growth in dealing with students, parents, and in becoming a better teacher.
Along with my colleagues (both science and non-science faculty), I am a member of NSTA, NABT, and HASTI. I receive and read the publications that they put out and I attend our state science conference each year. I read National Geographic and subscribe to Scientific American Earth 3.0 for current issues that will help me teach my students. I am always doing internet searches and reading science daily so that I can be up to date and use example that my classes will enjoy. These organizations and magazines do fall within my PLN and help answer questions, or lead me to continue further research on certain topics.
I hope that I can get a better grasp on the new tools that I'm learning about in my webtools class. I want to expand how I obtain information and I know that it will make me a better teacher. If using Twitter, blogging, Classroom 2.0, and other tools will make me more effective, then my students will benefit.