Time to T@lk Twitter
Tech T@lk
There was a time when the # was only called a number or pound sign. It was on your phone that connected to your kitchen wall with a cord that likely wrapped around and around and around so that you or your mom could do everything from the dishes to cook while chatting. Now the # is also, and more commonly, called a hashtag in the social media world and it opens up a new world of professional development for educators. Sure, there is a whole language in the Twitterverse where you can only type in 140 characters in each tweet (see below). It’s a language many Maine educators speak very fluently with some even saying, “Twitter is the best and most immediate resource for teacher support that has ever existed. Period.” It’s a bold statement followed by some advice on how you too can easily use Twitter for professional development—learning more about things like Standards-Based Learning, Flipped Classrooms and Design Thinking. What can I really learn in so few words? “The best PD for teachers is and always has been practical and actionable. Twitter connects teachers with other teachers who are doing the ‘how and what’ to support the ‘why.’ It puts people together.” — Matt Drewette-Card, Curriculum Coordinator AOS #94 @DrewetteCard
“The content of the Tweets themselves is rarely earth shattering. It is the links that are included and especially the Tweeters themselves who are the gold.” — Jonathan Werner @maineschooltech (Cape Elizabeth EA) “Twitter has given me most of my new and best ideas that I use in the classroom. By following specific discussions I can get ideas and talk with other fourth grade teachers. Last year I implemented Mystery Skype, book clubs, and brought in virtual guest speakers all thanks to the collaboration on Twitter.” — Jenny Stahl @jennygr4 (Glenburn EA) Give it a week “Make a legit effort to try it out for a week. Maybe even two. If you haven't gotten a new idea, connected to a kindred spirit, seen an idea of yours shared with others, or otherwise seen value in the space of two weeks? Then Twitter probably isn't for you. And that's ok.” — Dan Ryder @wickeddecentlearning (Mt. Blue RSU EA) “Twitter is as useful as you make it. Educators worldwide are sharing ideas. Follow a few, send some replies, and figure out if it’s for you.” — Johnathan Pratt, Foxcroft Academy @jonpratt Remember Twitter is not Facebook What you post on Twitter is public for all to see. You don’t have “friends” like Facebook, you have “followers.” But even if you don’t follow anyone you can still search a topic you’re interested in and then see what others are talking about by following the #. Just type the topic in the search menu and read as much or as little as you want.
User’s Name
Anatomy of a Tweet
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Maine education Association @maineea
RT @jennygr4 Twitter has been the single most useful tool in improving my teaching. I hope readers will give it a shot! #teachmaine
Maine education Association @maineea Twitter Handle (username) Profile picture Signifies that a tweet is a “retweet” of another user’s tweet
Another user’s Twitter handle. Tells the other user you have RT’ed or responded to them.
RT @jennygr4 Twitter has been the single most useful tool in improving my teaching. I hope readers will give it a shot! #teachmaine A # (hashtag) is a keyword or phrase that categorizes your tweet. When you click a # you will be brought to a search for that keyword or phrase.
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Maine Maine Educator Educator •• October October 2014 2014
Follow MEA @maineea and tag your posts #teachmaine
