LitBlog
Just a LIT-tle bit about everything... education, travel, books... and whatever else strikes my interests.
Why Tweet?Have you ever had a killer idea for your classroom, or your school, but had no idea how to go about implementing said idea? Do you need an idea to freshen up a lesson you're trying to revamp? Want to increase your technology use in your classroom, or are you looking for a way to up your tech game? You could ask a colleague or mentor, but what if they have no idea either? What if you're the only one in your school or district that teaches a specific course? What if you don't know who to ask, or no one has any suggestions for you? The solution is Twitter.
Connecting on Twitter can help you build a professional network that will provide you with support, resources, & ideas, help keep you sane, and keep you learning. Your PLN will be at your fingertips whenever you need them. Need a book suggestion, DONE! Need inspiration for a new strategy to keep you kids engaged, Check! Have questions about yet another new evaluation system being rolled out, Never Fear - Twitter is Here! Journey to the Twitterverse... When I was in college (read... 2010) I decided I would join Twitter. I didn't get it, and so it, like most social media, faded out of view for me. Facebook was simple and kept me connected to the people I wanted to know, so why worry about adding another platform, particularly one that no one I knew was using. Twitter, take two, started when I met a group of great educators at a Ford's Theater conference in D.C. in 2016. At their suggestion I logged into my Twitter account, and tried it out. I still wasn't convinced and it sat mostly unused for another 2 years until I attended Edcamp Charleston in 2018. I met some great educators who were using Twitter, including the then director of PSTA's professional development and host of the #TeachSC Twitter chat. I finally jumped on the twitter bandwagon. What I found was way more than I expected. Participating in my first Twitter chat was exhilarating. I learned so much from the participants and there were so many passionate teachers who clearly had a passion for education. I even "met" a teacher in a neighboring district that taught the same course. She has given me much support and advice over the past year, and I finally got to meet her at EdCamp Florence @FMU in February. Since that first chat I have participated in many Twitter chats, followed many teachers, authors, speakers, and other public figures, and had the chance to meet and learn from some awesome people. Who should you follow? Building a PLN
*Word of caution: READ the tweet!* Everyone makes mistakes but make sure that that tweet really is written the way you want to project your image. If there are a ton of spelling or grammar mistakes, or even strong or foul language, think twice before you click. I have made so many great connections on Twitter. Start by following the people who speak truth that aligns with your educational philosophy, but a don't dismiss those who disagree with you. Their perspective is valid and just might help you deepen your understanding of the profession too. I can say my teaching practice has improved since I started connecting on Twitter. My connections have challenged me to examine my own educational philosophy. In some cases I have found validity in the things I believe and it has helped to deepen my resolve, in other instances I have been challenged to reevaluate beliefs and have altered my views. I am a better educator because of Twitter. One thing you need to remember about Twitter, follow those whose content interests you. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THEY FOLLOW YOU BACK! Twitter, in a professional capacity, is not about how many followers you have. It should never be, but such is the world we live in. Engage with people that help you, that push you to be better, and that support you. Don't worry about who follows you or not. The Twitter ChatsTwitter chats connect educators with other educators, authors, speakers, and other stakeholders to share ideas and discuss relevant topics in education. In my opinion, Twitter chats are the ultimate professional development.
Check out some of these hashtags. If none of these appeal to you, a quick search of topics that interest you will bring up something. Still not convinced...?Are you still not convinced you need twitter? That's ok. I don't blame you, change is hard. It can take time to see the benefits of trying something new. Give it a few weeks, check twitter when you get a minute or two. Tweet something you're reading or a quote that speaks to you. Join a twitter chat and have a conversation. Try it for a while. Twitter has given me ideas for many different class assignments as well as a place to share the awesome things I've done with my students in hopes of aspiring others. I was even able to convince my principal to join Twitter! With the help of some very tech savvy colleagues at the district and my support, she has been tweeting and retweeting! If you need help setting up Twitter or getting started, feel free to reach out. Happy Tweeting! & Happy Learning! Mrs. Lit 🔥
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AuthorJust a nerdy history teacher trying to share history and education with the world. #historynerd #edutechnerd #iloveSumterSCschools #ChangingLivesOneStudentAtATime Archives
July 2019
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