Thing 12 - Social Media

Since embarking on this 'cpd23 voyage' at the end of June i have discovered and experienced many new aspects to professional development such as blogging, new websites, tools and applications, social networking and media etc. Ironically, since 'Thing 4' i have slightly changed my views on certain social networking sites, having signed-up for my own 'LinkedIn' and 'Twitter' accounts, creating my profiles and compiling following/follower lists! I have tried to do this from a professional point of view by using my work e-mail, profile and contacts as my base, rather than a personal/social/home based perspective. Through these sites, and previously not really knowing who subscribed to them, I have made contact with people within my organisation who i wouldn't normally see very often, and also with people outside my organisation who i have never 'followed' before. By doing this you certainly have a greater sense of communication and belonging in your work environment, as well as interaction with (and a wider knowledge of) the outside world.