Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning & leading with technology, 37(8), 12-15. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Join_the_Flock.aspx.
McClintock Miller, S. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning & leading with technology, 37(8), 14-17. Retrieved from
http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/June_July_2010_Join_the_Flock.sflb.ashx
Over the past several years Twitter has become a cesspool of information if one knows how to use it. In her journal article, "Join the Flock!" Hadley Ferguson has broken down how educators can build their personal learning network, or PLN. Ferguson describes ways educators can interact with each other and give advice on lesson planning, dealing with difficult situations, or just discussing a normal day in the classroom. Educators can help their peers by posting links through Twitter that can be used as a resource for others. Shy people who are afraid to post ideas and comments can sit back and read other posts until they feel comfortable enough to post an opinion in their PLN network. It is very beneficial to the educational community for educators to develop a PLN and share ideas with other educators.
Shannon McClintock Miller writes about how to simplify and organize your Twitter in her article, "Enhance Your Twitter Experience." The Twitter account can be set up where tweets from friends and family can be separated into columns away from educational tweets that could be lost in the mix. Miller also explains how beneficial hashtags are in expanding the number of followers a person may have. For example, if a person posts a tweet on #Edchat and people following #Edchat like what you had to say, they may start following you. The more people that see a person's tweets, the better the chance of having a bigger PLN. It is also very beneficial for a person to share and re-tweet a good resource or link to the rest of their PLN to give the entire group ideas.
Q: How will Twitter change the educational system for the future?
A: I think Twitter is at the cusp of making a major impact on the educational system. Not only can teachers and administrators share ideas in regards to learning, but they can also share ideas on how to make cuts to the budget without having an impact on the students. Twitter allows educators to better prepare themselves for difficult situations in the classroom, how to add to lesson plans, and build a PLN that will last an entire career. Twenty years ago teachers didn't have the luxury to share teaching strategies with people throughout the world. The ability to be able to communicate and strategize with people around the world will only have a positive impact in education.
Q: Will students and teachers begin interacting using Twitter when away from school?
A: I think if it hasn't already begun to happen students and teachers will discuss lessons via Twitter in the future. Periodically, students may have questions that they need help with while doing their homework at home, and eventually I can see them tweeting their teacher for help. I think it would be a good idea to keep students away from tweeting their teachers. I think when the teacher leaves and goes home for the day, students should wait to have their questions answered the following day. Teachers do need time with their families and away from work. Teachers can meet students before or after school if they need additional help on an assignment. I will use my Twitter account to build a PLN that will improve my teaching strategies.
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