This paper begins with a short history of the rise of social networking and Web 2.0 technologies before turning to a select review of the research literature on the use of these technologies in teacher education (i.e., preservice, inservice, and graduate teacher education) as well as faculty and staff development. Selected studies were categorized according to the four types introduced by Roblyer (2005) and emphasized by the National Technology Leadership Coalition (Bull & Bell, 2006) as studies that could move the educational technology field forward. These include studies that establish the technology's effectiveness at improving student learning and relative advantage; investigate implementation strategies; monitor social impact; and report on common uses to shape the direction of the field. Implications for the design of future research and teacher education initiatives are discussed.