An Introduction to Twitter Chats & PLN’s:
Before class I had zero knowledge about Twitter Chats and PLN’s. My first Twitter account is the one we were required to open for class, I did not have a personal Twitter beforehand. So, I have been learning a lot of new things about Twitter in general in the past few weeks. I was very eager to learn about Twitter Chats and exactly what a PLN is and how to use or become a part of them. The guest speaker opened my eyes up to the idea of Professional Learning Network. The idea that you are connected to a group of people through Twitter, and you are able to share your activities and ideas with others. The PLN benefits everyone, you can gain ideas and also share ideas to show others the amazing things you are doing in your classroom. These connections can also help you find new jobs or new opportunities that you wouldn’t know about without this network. Generally it is how you connect yourself to a broad public space while sitting in your own classroom, and how you welcome people into your personal space. Although it may take more work or time, it pays to share ideas and connect with others in order to always continue advancing yourself. This idea of connecting with strangers and exchanging opinions and issues, Twitter Chats are a great addition. Anyone can participate in a Twitter Chat, all you have to do is search for them and participate. At first I was very nervous about participating, but after participating in a practice one in class I have become much more comfortable. I actually look forward to participating in Twitter Chats and using them when I become a teacher.
My First Participation in a Twitter Chat
Visit My Twitter!!
@Mikayla_Faith_
…and check out my other Chats…
Those who are new to Twitter Chats or want to better their participation within the chats can follow the link below. Vickie Davis provides instruction and tips in the following video to make Twitter Chats feel like less of an obstacle. If you are feeling overwhelmed by becoming a part of Twitter and participating in chats, this video can open your eyes to the opportunities that are available and encourage you to become a part of this large network.
Before this class, I had a hard time looking at Twitter and not thinking about it in a strictly social and “teenager” way. After this class I now see that Twitter can be used to build an online portfolio that showcases all of the amazing things an individual has accomplished. Another great thing is that Twitter allows its users to make connections with people they know in their daily life as well as people you would never cross paths with. This is an amazing thing when it comes to building networks and looking for new opportunities outside of the physical connections you have in the small social circle at work or at home.
I definitely find it extremely important to build your own online profile for people to view. I will continue to participate and be an active Twitter user. I want to make sure I am able to take advantage of the opportunities that a Professional Learning Network provides. These opportunities include new jobs, grants and scholarships, and new lessons for the classroom. I also think it is a great idea to keep your peers and the people that belong to your PLN updated on the activities and lessons you complete in your classroom. Twitter is like an eye into the individual classroom and lets teachers share their amazing ideas and amazing learning moments that your students have. This can not only encourage other teachers to improve their classroom but also encourage the individual to continue coming up with new ideas and lessons. I am excited to have my own classroom and show what our day to day looks like and the steps we are making as a class to escalate learning experiences. I do need to continue to learn about Twitter Chats and broaden my knowledge so that I can participate in more of them and feel that I am bringing something of value to the discussions. I will need to work at coming up with new ideas that are worthy of being shared once I am a teacher. It is important to welcome change and new ideas especially within a classroom. I will definitely need to practice this, so that my students can learn by example. This confidence in change can also add to the confidence of your peers and overall improve the attitudes toward learning in your school. Sharing ideas and gathering new ideas from others via PLN’s is a great way to improve our educational system.
https://twitter.com/advcircle/status/663772342011604992
