The only time I’ve ever used Twitter prior to this course was years ago when my sister and I tried to get the attention of her favourite celebrity. Thus, my experience with Twitter was little to none. With that, I was pretty anxious about using it – especially after finding out that we would be participating in a Twitter chat – I had no idea what a Twitter chat was! However, soon after we began the SaskEdChat, I was hooked. Although it was pretty fast-paced, I found that it was such a great way to meet and connect with educators from across the province, learn about my own fellow classmates, and develop my personal learning network (PLN). As we discussed in our meeting, a PLN is a way for individuals to create a collaborative and supportive community in which they can connect with people from across the globe with similar interests. I found that another helpful way of building upon my PLN is through hashtags and scrolling through my Twitter homepage and seeing my peers’ tweets (even if it’s just by lurking). Through these sources, I was able to find Twitter accounts to follow in order to expand my PLN; these accounts include: TeachHUB, Education Week, TeachThought, Edutopia, and Eduporium. These pages offer several helpful resources and articles. I found that recently, a lot of these pages have been tweeting about educational technology and virtual teaching, which I find beneficial and helpful during this time.
In regards to Twitter being used in a classroom setting, I believe that it can be used in a similar way that we use it in this course. For example, in an early elementary setting, Twitter can be used as a form of communication with families. Teachers can share what their students are exploring and learning, share information and resources, and share updates or send reminders. Since Twitter does have different privacy settings, these can be easily adapted to meet parent/guardian requests. In middle years and high school settings, I believe that Twitter can be used exactly how we use it in this course. Each student can create an account in which they can develop their own PLNs, share resources, and connect with each other. I believe that through this, students can begin to learn about the importance of online safety and accountability. It is important that students understand that what they post online stays there forever and that their digital footprint can follow them and can have affects in the long run. An example of this is the article that Katia retweeted from Alec about the teens who posted a racist video on TikTok and faced serious consequences. With that, I believe that implementing the use of online tools, such as Twitter, can help students learn the importance of making wise decisions both in the outside world and online.
I am really enjoying Twitter and my first experience in SaskEdChat was fantastic. I have learned that Twitter can be used for much more than trying to get the attention of celebrities. It can be used as a form of professional development, a way to communicate, collaborate, and build support systems. All in all, my experiences, so far, have me very excited to participate in more SaskEdChats, as well as discover what more Twitter has to offer in terms of professional development and networking.
Great post! You brought up so many good points here! I was another example of someone who also had limited experience using Twitter before this class, however much like you, I came to appreciate what it has to offer after participating in the SaskEdChat. I also really liked that you shared some of the sources you found on Twitter because I had not yet found those sources. Thank you for sharing them as I will definitely check into them myself. Lastly, I really liked how you discussed how twitter can be used for different grade levels. I never thought of using it as a way to communicate to parents, and I also agree that it can teach older kids how to be responsible off and online!
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Morgan Bray
Hi Morgan,
Yes, the SaskEdChat set a really good foundation for learning how to use Twitter in a professional and interactive way! I’m glad I was able to help you find some more resources and think of ways to use Twitter in the classroom. I appreciate you reading my post, thank you for your comment!
Hello Mikaela,
I enjoyed reading your post. I liked how you brought up using Twitter with families. I never thought of that but that would be an excellent idea! I also liked how you brought up the privacy settings. That would be an excellent idea especially with if you had students who were older doing replies and stuff.
I liked how you also brought up about the different ways Twitter can be used.
Hi Stevie,
I’m happy that you enjoyed reading my post! Yes, it is so important that students learn online safety. I’m glad that I was able to offer some ideas on how to use Twitter in different ways. I am still trying to get the hang of using it, but I can definitely see how it can be used as a learning and communication tool. Thanks for your comment!
Good evening , I too was a little frightened about the #sasked chat! I actually giggled to myself when Katia explained the use of the hashtag… I thought it was just a trendy writing convention, as I mentioned to Frank in another post!
Hi Shelly,
Glad I’m not the only one who felt that way about the SaskEdChat! It’s always nerve racking to try new things, but so necessary for growth. I hope that after participating in it, you are now feeling more comfortable and enjoying Twitter – I know I am! However, I am still working on trying to remember to add hashtags to my posts. Thanks for your comment!
Great post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas. It is funny the first time I used Twitter was to find out about a celebrity as well. Having a better understanding of this platform will definitely help us as educators.
Hi Tracey,
Wow, I feel as though Twitter is the best way to stay updated on pop culture – I think most celebrities are more active on Twitter than any other social media platform. And yes, I can already see how Twitter can help us as educators! Thanks for your comment!