Getting Started with Twitter - Jeff Samuelson

When did you first hear about Twitter?

Twitter has been around for several years.  I guess I first heard about it while attending tech conferences and meetings with other Digital Learning folks.

What did you think of Twitter at that time?

I thought Twitter was mainly for business folks and that we were trying to make it fit in the education world.  I knew it was a way to share ideas, information and links.  But I did not see much of a connection to my job or for teachers.  How wrong I was!  It's an amazing tool for everyone!

How long have you been using Twitter as a PLN?

Honestly, I have used it as a PLN for the last two years or so.  So many educators across the nation have taken to Twitter to share what they are doing in their rooms...what works, what does not work.  They ask questions about lessons, tools, and resources.  They even share what is happening in their PLCs. It's a great, fast way to learn something new or get answers quickly!

Who are the top 3 people I follow?

My top three would be Eric Sheninger, George Couros, SMART Technologies.  Eric and George are national leaders in the education world providing current, insightful, and practical ideas that apply to teachers and administrators.  Best of all, what they Tweet usually challenges our current thinking and pushes us to stretch for what is next in our profession.  SMART Technologies does an amazing job of Tweeting about their products and then backs it up by Tweeting what others around the world are doing in their classrooms.  Amazing ideas and examples are shared daily.

What was my like during my first Twitter chat?

I was really nervous during my first Twitter chat.  Who would be seeing my Tweets?  Would I have anything important to say?  Will someone challenge my Tweet?  All those questions and more ran through my mind.  It was almost worse than being in front of a room full of teachers!  Guess what?  The chat was awesome and I was able to add to the discussion just as if we were all sitting in the same room.

What advice do I have for those new to Twitter/Twitter chats?

Just dive in!  Create your account and search for people you have seen speak at conferences.  Search for folks your colleagues follow.  Best of all, start following your Digital Learning Specialists and the Digital Learning department!  We share pretty fun stuff all the time!  As for Twitter chats, please join our department each Tuesday evening from 8-8:30.  We will post the questions for the evening in our Digital Learning Newsletter that we send out through Mark Thomas.  There is always lots of great information and resources shared in the newsletter.  If you are not ready to Tweet during the chat, just lurk and see how others are responding to the questions.  Soon you will be joining in and sharing your thoughts!  If you need help getting started, let your DLS know.  We are glad to help!