Twitter 101 for EDUs
Inspired by my Twitter experience and the book 140 Twitter Tips for Educators by Brad Currie, Billy Krakower and Scott Rocco.
Why should educators use Twitter?
We are in the LIFE saving business, and WE NEED YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS! – Dave Burgess
Think you have nothing to share?
Watch this 2-minute video. For REAL. Watch it.
What the heck is Twitter?
Click the button below to set up your profile.
Customize Your Profile
- Create a Twitter Handle– First name, Last Name (add EDU if your name is taken)
- Personalize Your Profile– Add: Educator, personal interests, hobbies, affiliations, etc.
- Add a Picture- No one wants to be an egg-head. hehe…
- Personalize Your Background– Click Settings, Design, Select a pre-made theme or add your own
Follow The PIRATE Educators
Click the button below, find the PIRATE author you wish to follow (or follow ALL of them), click Twitter, and Follow (upper right of profile).
Follow Your Favorite Apps
Follow an Organization
Tweet Time
Click here for Twitter Lingo printable PDF.
Your Tweet Info
- Notifications and Mentions – help you connect
- Liking a Tweet saves it
- If you REALLY like something Retweet (RT) it
- Following & Followers – It’s your choice. If someone doesn’t follow you back, don’t take it personal. Likewise, don’t feel obligated to follow someone back.
- Twitter Settings – add/delete location, emails, etc.
Best Practices
- Be a contributor, not only a consumer
- Promote others
- Retweet great work
- Add an image to your tweet or links. Images catch attention.
- Add hashtags (See Hashtags to Follow below)
- Cannonball in! Think of it as Professional Development, 24 hours per day for FREE!! Make a SPLASH! You’ll likely never turn back.
Tweetdeck
Adding Tweetdeck is a game changer for Twitter engagement.
- Open your Twitter account on your computer.
- Open another tab and type tweetdeck.com
- Watch this tutorial by Julie Smith to maximize your Twitter experience.
Tailor Your PD with Hashtags
Click the button below, find the PIRATE hashtags you wish to add to your Tweetdeck, click the #(button) of choice, and add it to your deck–as explained in the video above.
Any Teacher
Social Studies Teachers
ELA Teachers
Science Teachers
Early Ed Teachers
Elementary Teachers
Middle School Teachers
Art Teachers
Ed Tech Teachers/Tech Coaches
Coaches
Principals
Superintendents
Join a Twitter Chat
You are invited to join #TLAP every Monday night at 8 PM CST.
To Join a Twitter Chat:
- Set up Tweetdeck (explained above by Julie Smith)
- Place the hashtag of the chat in a column.
- Answer questions with “A1 and your answer“
- A1 = Answer 1 (to Question 1 or Q1) Each answer requiresA1, A2, A3, etc. in front of your response.
- ALWAYS include the hashtag with your answer and comments. This helps everyone see your contribution. The hashtag is imperative to be a part of the chat.
- Don’t fret if you miss a question. Just catch the next one or join in by commenting on other answers.
- Have FUN and learn from educators around the world!
Twitter…A Part of Life
