Online technologies, maybe I should really call them emerging technologies, are quickly changing the way public relations professionals do their jobs. These technologies include everything from blogs to Facebook, online video to podcasts, PRXBuilder to Twitter.

To be completely honest, I don't understand how all of these technologies work at this moment. But I do know as a PR practitioner, these are present and future tools to help communicate with important publics. To understand how these technologies work and what they mean for PR students, professionals and myself, I'm exploring and trying to join online conversations. I'm reading and visiting social networks, blogs, etc. to understand how to use them as communication devices. I encourage PR students to join me in this exploration. Understanding how these emerging technologies will affect your job and your clients will be critical as you reach graduation.

To help you get started I recommend PROpenMic launched by Robert French of Auburn University and Christine Goodman's Social Media 101. You can also explore some of the links on the right to join the conversation. Consider starting your own blog to get your feet wet, or set up an RSS to feed your news junkie habits. The list at right is not an exhaustive one, these are just a few places I'm exploring.

Have fun! Let me know how your explorations go and if you have recommendations for me!