Twitter for #PD

As I continue exploring the benefits of social media in education, I'm still finding more and more uses for Twitter.  I used to see Twitter (and all social media for that matter) as a platform for people to have a voice, share their opinions on things and follow the gossip/news producers of the world.  While that holds true for some, like any good product, Twitter has multiple uses that make it more than just a rumor grapevine.  I'm finding a lot of wonderful uses for the classroom and see it as a great source for professional development, especially for educators.

I came across a couple of articles that can articulate some of these alternate uses better than I can.  What I'll do is I'll share those sources with you and pick out a few of my favorite points.  In the first source, the title says it all: The Teacher's Guide to Twitter.  This article gives the how to for everything an educator may need, including how to connect with students, general twitter tips and even many of the most popular education hashtags.  My other source, 25 ways to teach with Twitter, gives more strategies directed toward professional development and making the right connections that will benefit your students classroom experience. 

Some of my takeaways from these helpful resources were that Twitter is like free professional development, it's important to post content (not just read) and connections are essential.  We're not always able to attend the professional conferences or seminars but there are a number of resources on Twitter that can provide the same effect, no matter where you are.  Tools like Twitterchat and following experts can provide some support for education affairs.  Plus, the connections you make with others on develops your own professional network and can lead to a number of great opportunities.  However, it's important to not just be a consumer; you've got to produce content as well!  It keeps others engaged with you as well as populate your twitter feed with your interests.

You don't have a choice

I think most of us are adverse to being forced into something.  Hardly anyone likes to be told what to do or feel as if they have no power in a decision of a matter.  While it may be uncomfortable for some, it's time to accept the fact that you have no choice when it comes to adapting to technology's mighty hand.  In this day of phones that are smarter than you and I or social networks that spread information faster than CNN ever could, there's no escaping it: in order to survive, you must adapt.  This is the modern-day version of natural selection: can you navigate technological advances that seem to change with each passing day?

"We don't have a choice on whether we do social media, the question is how well we DO it", says Erik Qualman.  Qualman's quote was featured in the video The Social Media Revolution, which shows the absolutely stunning numbers and research regarding the impact of social media on our world.  If you have yet to see this video, be prepared to be floored by what you're going to see what you're going to see.

Technology's impact is clearly seen in our classrooms as well.  I currently teach a middle school technology class in a room with 28 computers that are equipped with the latest programs and apps.  There's also a smart board in the room that serves as my main instructional tool.  Teachers everywhere are adapting.  However, if you're on the fence, I would implore you to watch A Vision of 21st Century Teachers.  I'm sure this appeal will speak to you.