4 Ways to Utilize Twitter Right Now

As most of you know by now, Twitter has played a huge role in my evolution as an educator. It touches all six elements of the "Evolve As An Educator" framework as seen below. Specifically, Twitter provides an opportunity for educators to engage in meaningful professional growth opportunities that enhances their skill set and ultimately promotes the success of students. Outside of the E V O L V E construct, Twitter allows educators to tell their classroom, school, district, or organization's story as a way to engage stakeholders in the virtual world. In my newest book, 140 Twitter Tips for Educators, I share many practical examples of how Twitter can be used right away on your desktop computer, laptop, or mobile device. Let's take a look at a handful of additional ways that Twitter can work for you in the immediate future. 

#127 "We NEED your contributions!" Dave Burgess @burgessdave @bradmcurrie @wkrakower @ScottRRocco #140EduTips #BookSnaps #tlap pic.twitter.com/wcEUbtE0Yf

— Tara M Martin (@TaraMartinEDU) November 19, 2016

Twitter, in conjunction with a tool like Snapchat, can help educators learn more about a particular book. Take a look at the example on the left. Tara Martin, utilizes Snapchat to take a picture of a chapter in 140 Twitter Tips. Then she adds text and images to enhance the image. Finally, she tweets out the image while incorporating the #BookSnaps hashtag and #140Edutips hashtag. This is such a unique way to highlight important concepts pertaining to a book that someone is reading, but also serves as an important reminder that Twitter is a great tool for educators to share and contribute their ideas and resources. 

Twitter builds community both in the physical and virtual worlds. For example, Participate Learn provides #Satchat participants with a way to experience the online Twitter conversation that takes place every Saturday at 7:30 EST. Users can access archives, find relevant resources, and connect with other #Satchat participants. A Twitter chat calendar and other educational Twitter chat resources can be found on the Participate Learn website. 

Twitter has transformed the way participants interact with each other virtually and in person at events. For example, I was not able to attend the 2016 installment of EdCamp NJ, but was able to follow the event hashtag throughout the day. Those who were in attendance were able to finally meet others that they follow and learn from on Twitter. It's such a special feeling when you are able to connect with another educator from Twitter.  The meaningful conversations continue and you have an opportunity to network at your own pace in a pressure free environment. Consider attending the 3rd Annual Tomorrow's Classrooms Today Conference on Saturday, May 20 at Rider University to connect with even more fellow tweeps to keep the educational conversation going. 

Finally, Twitter is the gift that keeps on giving to educators around the world. This holiday season give the gift of connectedness by purchasing a personalized copy of 140 Twitter Tips for Educators for a friend, colleague, or family member. This will be a great way for educators that are new to Twitter to learn about how they can expand their personal learning network and impact students success immediately.