T is for Twitter
What is Twitter?
Twitter is a social media tool. Users create an account and set up a profile page. Then "tweet" text that they wish to share with followers. The text must be less than 140 characters. You can also insert photos, links, or videos into your tweets. You follow accounts that you are interested in and people can follow you back if they wish. Additional features are the option to create lists of followers, favourite tweets you want to read later, or retweet something you want to share. |
How is Twitter useful as an educational tool?
I use Twitter as a professional development tool. I created an account while I was in the Faculty of Education and started following fellow teachers, professors, educational experts, and brands that sold educational materials. I find lots of new ideas on Twitter and I hear about news that is happening in the educational world. I have since expanded how I use Twitter and I have lists under themes that are school related or completely unrelated to school. For example, I have a list for friends and a list for fitness advice and motivation. I keep my account very teacher focused and only tweet information about events I am doing at school, lessons I am excited for, conferences I have been to, and extracurricular activities. I do have friends that follow my account and they likely find it boring at times, but I also have lots of followers that are also educators and they want to see what I share about my classroom. I will tweet about trips I am going on or spending time with nephews, but it is all very PG in nature. I think it is important to keep it a professional account because I have superintendents following me as well as colleagues! It has become such an important educational tool for me and I have been able to scavenge lots from others. Sharing is so important!
I use Twitter as a professional development tool. I created an account while I was in the Faculty of Education and started following fellow teachers, professors, educational experts, and brands that sold educational materials. I find lots of new ideas on Twitter and I hear about news that is happening in the educational world. I have since expanded how I use Twitter and I have lists under themes that are school related or completely unrelated to school. For example, I have a list for friends and a list for fitness advice and motivation. I keep my account very teacher focused and only tweet information about events I am doing at school, lessons I am excited for, conferences I have been to, and extracurricular activities. I do have friends that follow my account and they likely find it boring at times, but I also have lots of followers that are also educators and they want to see what I share about my classroom. I will tweet about trips I am going on or spending time with nephews, but it is all very PG in nature. I think it is important to keep it a professional account because I have superintendents following me as well as colleagues! It has become such an important educational tool for me and I have been able to scavenge lots from others. Sharing is so important!
Who are some of the best educational accounts to follow?
A few of my personal favourites in no particular order are:
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