As my wife has been watching an increased amount of QVC this holiday break, she's been repeating a slogan, “New Year, New You.” I have a hunch that QVC says this to promote their products, but I think there are other perspectives regarding this slogan. As the new year is now upon us, a “New You” could involve a new diet, a new workout regimen, or what I’d like to pursue for this blog post: a new professional development plan.

A new professional development plan ought to include taking ownership by following online resources. I’d like to think that I contribute a fair amount of resources you can utilize. For example, I frequently share information regarding iOS apps and accessories, in addition to speech-language intervention strategies. Here’s how you can follow me to receive professional development:

• Subscribe to my blog at http://ericsailers.com/blog.html
• Add me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/eric.sailers
• Add me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/esailers

Of course there are many other online resources besides mine to follow. If you have a hard time knowing where to begin, you might want to check out online resources that I follow frequently for professional development:

• SLPeeps on Twitter
• iTeach Facebook page
• tuaw.com
• moms with apps
• ASHAsphere blog

Just like a new diet or workout plan would be discussed with your friends, a new professional development plan ought to also be shared with your friends. You may choose to suggest me as a Facebook friend, share this blog post on Twitter, and/or tell a colleague about an online resource using traditional word of mouth. It’s up to you as you begin the New Year with a New You!

Note: The above image was used via a Creative Commons license, and the original image can be found here on flickr.

Tags: Professional development, twitter, facebook, online learning