Are you seeking fresh ideas or inspiration for your classroom? Or perhaps you’re eager to connect with fellow educators? If so, Twitter offers a fantastic platform to explore. In this article, we will explore three effective ways to utilize Twitter as an online Professional Learning Network (PLN).
Once you’ve set up your Twitter account, the initial step is to follow other educators. A straightforward approach is to identify a teacher you know and examine who they are following. For instance, if I search for my colleague Merv, I can visit his profile and click on the “following” section to view a list of people he follows. This can lead to the discovery of other teachers or organizations that might capture your interest. By following a diverse range of educators and organizations, you can cultivate a network that inspires and supports your professional growth.
An essential feature of Twitter is the use of hashtags, which help organize tweets by topic. When you encounter a hashtag in a tweet, it categorizes that tweet with others sharing the same hashtag. For example, clicking on a hashtag like #EdTech allows access to a collection of tweets and content related to that topic. You can also search for hashtags directly in the search bar, such as #edchat, to discover a wealth of relevant tweets and discussions.
If you’re curious about discovering new hashtags, you can search Twitter or explore online resources. Numerous Twitter chats for educators are organized by hashtags, enabling you to find chats that align with your interests and schedule.
The most effective way to engage with your PLN is through active participation. You can like, retweet, or comment on tweets from others. For instance, I can like one of Merv’s tweets or retweet it with my own comment. Additionally, composing your own tweets to ask questions or share insights, using relevant hashtags, can help you reach a broader audience.
Twitter is a social platform open to everyone, making it an excellent space for connecting with other educators. Many teachers have embraced Twitter in recent years, recognizing it as a valuable resource for learning about PLNs, social media in the classroom, and various digital teaching topics.
For further information, consider exploring resources at Common Sense Education.
Start by setting up your Twitter account if you haven’t already. Once your account is ready, search for a colleague or an educator you admire and explore their “following” list. Follow at least 10 educators or educational organizations that align with your interests. Reflect on how these connections could enhance your professional growth.
Search for popular educational hashtags such as #EdTech, #edchat, or others relevant to your field. Spend some time browsing through the tweets associated with these hashtags. Choose one hashtag and participate in a discussion by replying to a tweet or sharing your thoughts using the hashtag.
Identify a scheduled Twitter chat that interests you by searching online or using educational resources. Join the chat at the scheduled time, and actively participate by answering questions and engaging with other educators. Reflect on the experience and consider how it could benefit your teaching practice.
Compose a tweet where you share an insight or ask a question related to your field. Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience. Monitor the responses and engage with those who reply to your tweet, fostering a meaningful discussion.
After engaging with your PLN on Twitter for a week, write a short reflection on your experiences. Consider what you have learned, how your network has expanded, and any new ideas or resources you have discovered. Share this reflection with a peer or mentor for feedback.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Are you looking for new ideas or inspiration for your classroom? Perhaps you’re interested in connecting with other teachers? If so, Twitter is a great platform to explore. Today, we will discuss three ways you can use Twitter as an online Professional Learning Network (PLN).
Once you’ve set up your account, the first step is to follow other educators. A simple way to do this is to find a teacher you know and see who they are following. For example, if I search for my friend Merv, I can visit his profile and click on the “following” section to see a list of people he follows. This can lead me to discover other teachers or organizations that might interest me. Following a variety of educators and organizations can help you curate a network that inspires and supports your growth as an educator.
Another important aspect of Twitter is the use of hashtags, which help organize tweets by topic. When you see a hashtag in a tweet, it categorizes that tweet with others that share the same hashtag. For instance, if I click on a hashtag like #EdTech, I can access a collection of tweets and content related to that topic. You can also search for hashtags directly in the search bar, such as #edchat, to find a wealth of relevant tweets and discussions.
If you’re wondering how to discover new hashtags, you can search Twitter or use resources available online. There are many Twitter chats for educators, often organized by hashtags, and you can find chats that suit your interests and schedule.
Finally, the best way to engage with your PLN is to participate actively. You can like, retweet, or comment on tweets from others. For example, I can like one of Merv’s tweets or retweet it with my own comment. Additionally, you can compose your own tweets to ask questions or share insights, using relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience.
Twitter is a social platform that allows anyone to join, making it an excellent space for connecting with other educators. Many teachers have embraced Twitter in recent years, and it’s a valuable resource for learning about PLNs, social media in the classroom, and various digital teaching topics.
For more information, feel free to explore resources at Common Sense Education.
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This version maintains the original message while removing informal language and ensuring clarity.
PLN – Personal Learning Network, a system of interpersonal connections and resources that support informal learning and professional development. – Professional students often rely on their PLN to stay updated with the latest trends in educational technology.
Educators – Individuals who provide instruction or education; teachers, professors, or trainers. – Educators are increasingly integrating digital tools into their teaching strategies to enhance student engagement.
Hashtags – Keywords or phrases preceded by the hash symbol (#) used on social media platforms to categorize content and facilitate searchability. – By using specific hashtags, educators can connect with peers and share valuable resources on social media.
Learning – The process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching. – Online platforms have revolutionized learning by providing access to a vast array of educational materials.
Network – A group or system of interconnected people or things that facilitate communication and collaboration. – Building a strong professional network can open up opportunities for collaboration and innovation in educational projects.
Engagement – The level of interest, enthusiasm, and commitment that students show towards their learning activities. – Interactive digital tools have been shown to increase student engagement in virtual classrooms.
Tweets – Short messages posted on the social media platform Twitter, often used to share information or opinions. – Educators can use tweets to disseminate educational content and connect with a broader audience.
Digital – Relating to technology that uses digital signals to store, process, and transmit information. – The digital transformation in education has enabled more personalized and flexible learning experiences.
Teaching – The act or profession of instructing or educating students. – Innovative teaching methods that incorporate technology can significantly enhance the learning experience.
Resources – Materials, tools, or assets that are available for use in educational settings to support learning and teaching. – Online resources provide educators with a wealth of information and tools to enhance their curriculum.
