Thing 12 - Twitter

Twitter is a social-networking tool that keeps people connected with one another and with sources of information. At its most fundamental level, Twitter is a place where users answer the question, "What are you doing right now?" At a more sophisticated level, Twitter becomes a tool for seeking and sharing information with a custom network of users. Posing and answering questions, posting links, and expressing opinions are all ways in which users connect. Categorized as a microblogging tool, Twitter updates are limited to 140 characters or less. You may think of Twitter as concise blogging, much like texting is concise email.

As Twitter has grown in popularity, so has the lingo that surrounds it. Twitter is the name of the service; twittering describes the activity of updating an account; a tweet is an individual Twitter update; Twitterers are people who use the service; and followers refers to people who are connected with one another by reading each others tweets - much like friends on Facebook.

Watch this video to see how Twitter works.



If you can't see the video, click here to watch it on the Common Craft website.

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To complete Thing 12 you must:
A. Create your own Twitter account
B. Explore ways to use Twitter in education
C. Reflect on Thing 12 on your blog

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A. Create Your Twitter Account
Now that you have an idea of what Twitter is, it's time for you to create your own account, post an update or two, and find some other Twitterers to follow. Watch this video to learn how.

How To Use Twitter on Howcast

The video gives you some ideas for searching for people to follow. Another strategy is to look at who others are following. You may want to follow some of the same people. Or look at this directory of Learning Professionals Online for more possibilities. 23 Things will be posting updates on Twitter at WCRESA. Follow us and we'll follow you!

By now you should be feeling more comfortable with Twitter and seeing how it connects people and ideas. Before you go further, here are a few words of advice. You've probably noticed that some folks Twitter about personal happenings, some post only professional information, and others combine the two. Be sure you know WHY you are using Twitter, WHO your intended audience is, and WHAT you want to share. Also, check out your followers. Like all parts of the Web, anyone is welcome to use the service. If you find you have followers you don't want, you can block them to prevent them from being associated with your account.

For future reference, here's a brief tutorial and good review:
10 Things Teachers Should Know to Get Started with Twitter

B. Explore Twitter in Education
Twitter may seem frivolous in some cases, but educators are beginning to use this microblogging tool in a number of creative ways - for professional learning, as an information kiosk/public relations tool, and for classroom instruction. This section provides you with examples to explore. Start here with 50 Ideas on Using Twitter for Education and Nine Reasons to Twitter in Schools. Then explore the Twitter feeds below - you may find some you want to follow.

Twitter for Professional Learning
David Warlick - educator, author, public speaker
Will Richardson - educational author, speaker, blogger
Larry Ferlazzo - inner city ESL teacher
Michigan Dept. of Education
US Dept. of Education
American Association of School Administrators

Twitter for District/School Communication
Twitter as a District Communication Tool
Top 10 Suggestions for Twitter in Public Schools
Noblesville Schools, IN
Hopkins Schools, MN
Tim Lauer - Elementary Principal, Portland, OR
Eric Sheninger - HS Principal, New Milford, NJ
Scott Jameson - Elementary Principal, Sandy, UT
Mary Ellen Nelson - Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Cincinnati, OH

Twitter in the Classroom
22 Interesting Ways to Use Twitter in the Classroom
Vicki Davis - Teacher, Camilla, GA
5th Grade Students - class updates
Nancy Keane - Librarian

C. Reflect - Blog Prompts for Thing 12
Write about your Twitter experience and be sure to include your Twitter username so others can see and follow you. What do you see as the comparative strengths and weaknesses of microblogging? Do you love it, hate it, or are you undecided? Is there a place for Twitter in your school or district?