Once you've done some work on your website (whether it's a blog, wiki, google site, etc.) you'll want to share it with others. We're all about authentic audiences and real purposes for student (and teacher) work. So how do you go about getting the word out about your new projects? Start by connecting with other educators, authors, and experts. Ask lots of questions. Teach your students to think about what they are putting out there for the world by showing your students that the world really is watching them and paying attention to what they are doing.
As we ventured out into the world of edtech and twitter, we were incredibly fortunate to run across some very helpful people. One of them taught us about Twitter "Hash Tags." They're nothing to be scared of: just a way for people to find you and your tweets faster. Also helpful for participating in some great online discussions. Our favorite is #edchat. Finally, we love the #comments4kids hash tag and wiki.
Think of Twitter like a stream. Every once in a while, you take a dip and see whats going on. Or maybe think of it like a filter - let the people you follow filter content and narrow everything down to the best of the best for you. We've used Twitter as a professional development tool and a search engine. There are so many different ways (clients, dashboards, or services) to access Twitter. We've also used it as a way to connect with others who are interested in sharing student work and audiences. Our students have used it (under direct supervision) to report learning targets and ask questions.
It seems like everyone has a list of rules about Twitter and other similar services. Here's what we've learned.
1. Twitter is like any other relationship. Be nice, and always remember the "Golden Rule." As you use Twitter, you'll develop a sense of annoying behaviors as well as helpful ones. Stick with the folks who don't annoy you. Try not to annoy others.
2. Lift up others. Keep everything positive. Twitter isn't the staff lounge. Master the art of the "Re-Tweet." Always give credit where credit is due.
3. We prefer the "Tweeps" who conversate. We want to find others who will engage with us as well as our students.
4. As almost always, quality is more important than quantity. Aim for a few high-quality relationships.
5. Don't take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the trip.
6. There are plenty of others out there who are willing to help you - and they are creating great resources for you all the time!
Over the last few months, we've spent some time collecting Twitter resources. Here is the link to our bookmarks on the topic so that you can peruse all of the collected items as you see fit. As we add more items to our bookmarks, the link will also update with those new items.
There are many other teachers wanting to connect with your classes and students. Pages like this are not hard to find. It's also not hard to find all sorts of other fun Twitter Tools.
Please take the time to become part of a Personal Learning Network. Even if you choose not to use Twitter, find a way to connect with others. The benefits are incredible. Model this kind of connection for your students. Help them create personal learning networks just like yours!
