BartmasBlurb#38

My New Found Addiction!

Twitter

            A year ago I had very limited knowledge of Twitter and any of its uses. I thought it was stupid, a waste of time, and was just another social media platform. I was already using Facebook and LinkedIn, I did not need another. Boy, was I wrong! Twitter has become my go-to place for ideas and collaboration. For a while I was overloading the staff in my building by emailing them articles that I found in the Twittersphere. Two weeks ago I challenged them to get a Twitter handle by Thanksgiving, and I would stop sending them ALL those emails.

            I found that many educators have had a similar experience with Twitter; apprehension. I first just lurked in the background…which is fine on Twitter, and followed two educators that I had heard of. I then realized they had common people they followed or that followed them-I made the connection. Find other like-minded individuals to follow. Pretty soon I was reading a wide range of information on education, technology and leadership. Holy smokes, I was learning! My next step was realizing that many of these individuals were in little groups with hashtags. They met on a regular schedule and had quite interesting discussions. My next move was to become involved in these, “chats.”

            Not too long ago in one of these discussions, or thread, an educator said something that I disagreed with. We exchanged views in a professional manner and defended our viewpoint to each other, and no one was hurt! I am now using Twitter as my main source of professional development and gaining in knowledge almost daily. I have learned from younger teachers how to integrate technology and use it more efficiently, and I have learned from seasoned educators that our technology advances are tools to add to our toolboxes. It amazes me that educators all over the world are connecting and collaborating with each other. Teachers of varying grade levels from pre-kindergarten to collegiate level are sharing research, and ideas. You connect with teacher candidates and professors at the same time. Twitter is one huge, non-grade classroom! There is one common point, children. Every educator that interacts focus is what is best for children now and in the future. Don’t fear the Tweet! Have fun, connect, and learn. I would suggest hatching out of your egg photo- you will understand when you get your Twitter account, and start following some simple hashtags(#) #edchat ( there are state versions of this) instructionally focused, #edtech- great for integration ideas, #tlap and #nbtchat- being more creative in your thought processes, #edutopia- resources, #weirded- a little different mind set! My learning curve is going straight up, and I love it!