Tweet, Tweet, Twitter
After using Twitter as a child and not logging on again until now, I will say Twitter has changed my view from an educational perspective. Though social media can lead to negative impacts on a child’s development, if it is used appropriately it can assist and promote students within their learning and diverse learning needs. Using Twitter as an educational tool for the last 3 weeks has changed the way I feel about many situations, including my mental health. After my recent diagnosis of ADHD, I have found it hard to justify or help others understand what I am feeling, but Twitter has opened a path for me to communicate with others in a similar boat which allows me to feel understood. Reading a tweet by someone going through a similar diagnosis is a reassuring feeling because it is hard for others to bond over emotion when one has never felt a similar feeling. I have learned more information about ADHD on Twitter than on other social media platforms – tweets are pure and personal.
- Talking #MentalHealthAwareness on Twitter with our global partners
- #WhyWeTweetMH: Understanding Why People Use Twitter to Discuss Mental Health Problems
I was introduced to the Sask Ed Chat on Twitter through this class which opened my eyes to the benefits it could have for students. I love talking about education outside of school but find it hard to. Being able to join this chat made me feel involved and valued, but also assisted me in developing deeper concerning questions about education. Another tool I didn’t know existed is Tweet Deck; Having multiple tabs open on Twitter is beneficial, especially when involved in important hashtags you often want to keep up with. Though I doubt I will create a personal account, I know that I will keep this one throughout my educational journey as it is something that I believe will benefit me as a teacher, and my students in their learning journeys.
I have seen many childcare facilities and schools use Facebook as a communication tool for parents or those who may be interested in enrolling their children. This has seemed to become more popular over time and is a fast way to spread information without having to personally call each parent. Similarly, using the #edtc300 could be a technique that can be applied in a classroom. Students and parents can have access to this hashtag through Twitter to receive fast updates and information they may need. Educators can also strongly benefit by following educational hashtags in search or sharing information (Twitter Hashtags for Educators). I came across The Most Interesting Ways To Use Twitter In The Classroom and believe that many of these ideas could be implemented in a classroom today, especially considering the rise of technology and social media today.
Examples:
- Live tweet
- A hashtag for content or guardian information
- A way to keep in touch with peers about learning (what I am doing for this class)
Do you think Twitter is a useful educational tool? Comment below!
