Throughout this course, I've been reflecting upon which (of the many) technological advances I can realistically implement in my classroom in the near future. Although I love the idea of having my own teacher blog, I don't know if it is realistic for me yet because of the time commitment it takes. This thought led me to twitter. Prior to this course, I've despised twitter (and still may). However, I am trying to be open to its potential in my classroom. I did some research, and found this resource The Ultimate Twitter Guidebook. It gives excellent background knowledge about twitter, as well as many potential classroom opportunities. Check it out if you are interested in twitter in the classroom!
I agree with you, Courtney.I'm not too sure about Twitter...my life is not that exciting. But I am open to the possibilities of connecting with other educators via twitter. The question is how do I start(I know-open an account!)?Who would follow me??
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about using twitter more to connect with parents- I can imagine they would like more frequent updates about what is going on in the classroom. And I've heard it's very easy to update, share pics, etc. Do you think your parents would use twitter to follow you?
DeleteI will be showing in class how some kindergarten teachers are using Twitter to stay connected with parents. The teachers tweet out a link to a picture which illustrates what is going in the classroom. The parents love this concept, as do the kids, and it takes the teacher very little time to do. The idea of the tweet being available when the children get home also opens easy communication about "what did you do in school today?" I will show what two teacher in West Hartford at the Smith STEM are doing with Twitter. If I forget, just remind me to do the demo in class.
ReplyDeleteHi Courtney, I too used to think twitter was totally stupid - who cares what you had for breakfast, or who is cheating on who. But then some how I was convinced to get on and give it a try as an educator. It has, with out a doubt, completely changed me as a teacher. I think what I like best about twitter is the connections I've made with other like minded educators. I'm sent to blog posts that make my brain spin. I have discussions about things that are important to me as an educator and I learn from other educators. Last January I wrote an article for the International Reading Association titled "Why Twitter?" If you're interested you can find it here.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.reading.org/general/Publications/blog/engage/engage-single-post/engage/2012/01/12/in-other-words-lirenman-twitter
Please don't give up on Twitter as a tool for learning and sharing. Not only is it the best professional development you'll get, it's also a great way to connect your students with the world. I tweet at @klirenman and my grade one class tweets at @MsLsClass. Karen
Karen
I know that you and I have been going back and forth talking about twitter and using it within our classrooms. I have been against it because I always say "I don't tweet." :) After doing some more thinking about it and looking at the article you posted, I may be changing my mind. I would like to use it more for the parents and tweeting what we are doing in the classroom and any photos I may take.
ReplyDeleteI have been using Twitter for a short period of time and I have found it be useful to provide me with information that I wouldn't know about otherwise! I am currently following local museums, science centers, as well as children's books publishers. I am reading articles that are relevant for teachers (staying up to date on current issues). I would love to learn more about how to use Twitter in the classroom. @ShaolinSuzanne
ReplyDeleteOkay, Courtney, you must remind me to show you more about Twitter's use in the classroom. Perhaps while we are workshopping in class, you can remind me. The course has so much packed in for 8 weeks, that I hesitate, but I would have to agree with Karen Lirenman that Twitter is an outstanding resource once you learn how to use it. I have connected with many wonderful teachers, including Karen. These teachers help me get ideas to share in our course. Because I teach college courses but the students in my classes are teachers K-12, I need to stay in touch with many teachers who teach on those grade levels. Twitter has been my connection to a world of teachers out there, including ones in the US and as far away as Australia and New Zealand. I have learned so much from these teachers. In my Twitter account, I have made Lists. One List is of elementary school teachers. I merely need to go to this List, and viola I can see the tweets that these teachers have sent out recently. Most of all, it is the links in their tweets that send me to more information. Their Twitter profiles also often have links to their teacher blog or a class blog. From these links, I can find out vast information about what is going on in the classroom. Overall, if a teacher uses Twitter well, it can be one of the best and cheapest (free) professional development opportunities. It is right there for you any time of the day. I usually spend about 10 minutes or so on Twitter every two days. But it is the links that I am directed to that become the most valuable time. I would not find this rich array of resources otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI share your reservations with Twitter. I feel like I can't fit one more thing in my day. I do like the idea of the tweet to parents, but what makes it better than a group email? I am still not sure that I will be using this one.
ReplyDelete