What is Pinterest and Why all the Interest?
Have you joined the Pinterest craze? Launched in 2010 Pinterest now has over 10 million monthly visitors making it the fastest growing social network site in internet history. According to their website, "Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web." Pinterest allows you to "pin" photos of sites on organized boards. So instead of a list of urls on your computer that you may or may not remember what they are you see a visual display of all the places you pinned.
But How Can I Use Pinterest as a PLN?
Because the user can create separate boards for different areas of interest, many educators are creating school related boards. These boards range from educational philosophy to boards dedicated to specific grade level, subject, or even specific topics. Once you find a pinterest user with similar interest you can "follow" their board. So every time they pin something they find interesting you can see it on your board too. Finding one board to follow will lead to many others. A network of educators is created and everyone can share in the "finds" of other.
Ok, You've Sold Me! How Do I Get Started?
Anyone can browse Pinterest by going to Pinterest.com and exploring. To create boards and pin items you must be a member. Membership in Pinterest is by invitation only. But invitations are super simple to obtain. You can request your own invitation by clicking the "Request an Invite" button on the top of Pinterest.com. You will need to supply an email address so the invitation can be sent to you. Or if you have friends who have Pinterest account they can send you an invitation. Once your invitation is received you can supply the needed information and join the fun.
Some of the site listed in the resources suggest creating boards for your class to follow. At this time Pinterest is
NOT approved for student use. Also, be aware as you are browsing pins, there is the possibility of offensive material appearing. For that reason, never browse Pinterest with students in the area. Additionally, Pinterest is available to teachers on the school network; it is not available on the wireless Guest connection.
Anyone can browse Pinterest by going to Pinterest.com and exploring. To create boards and pin items you must be a member. Membership in Pinterest is by invitation only. But invitations are super simple to obtain. You can request your own invitation by clicking the "Request an Invite" button on the top of Pinterest.com. You will need to supply an email address so the invitation can be sent to you. Or if you have friends who have Pinterest account they can send you an invitation. Once your invitation is received you can supply the needed information and join the fun. 
