Twitter: What Is It?
Twitter is a microblogging service with a primary purpose of connecting people through social media. Twitter users are able to share their thoughts through short messages or "tweets." These tweets have a maximum limit of 280 characters. Twitter allows users to interact with an audience that spans the entire world.
Why Use Twitter?
Twitter proves to be a valuable resource for educators. One of its best features is the ability to learn and connect. For professional development purposes, global collaboration, and as a way to find others, Twitter can lead to new learning opportunities. Use it to share pertinent information with students, families, and the community. We'll share more ideas and helpful uses along the way.
MODULE 1:
How Can One Effectively Use Twitter? Start here!
By understanding how to effectively use Twitter, one can embrace an outstanding learning community and gain enriching learning experiences. Twitter is useful for both professional use and for instructional purposes. These steps will help you get started.
Set Up An Account
- You will need to download the Twitter app, or you can visit www.twitter.com.
- Next, you will verify your account with your phone number. Then you will be able to choose a password for your account.
- Now, the fun part begins! Choose your interests. This will help Twitter offer suggestions for different individuals and organizations you might want to follow. Keep in mind that you are setting this account up for classroom and school use, so think about pertinent interests that relate to your specific teaching content and goals.
Search on Twitter
- Twitter has a focus on followers. The people and organizations you follow will ultimately be what leads to the information and new knowledge that you gain from the social media site. Therefore, the more relevant and helpful people you follow, the more you are likely to gain!
- You most likely have begun to follow at least ten or more accounts. Use the search option to look for more. Think about the educational organizations that you would like to be connected to as well as colleagues, other classrooms, and district accounts that will help you to stay in the know.
- As you use the app or website, Twitter will periodically offer suggested accounts to follow. In the mobile app, you can also use the Connect feature to find more accounts. As you add more, you will notice that the number of tweets that show up in your feed will adjust. Strive to have at least 100 accounts to follow and continue adding as additional relevant ones peak your interest.