I joined Twitter in 2015, I open an account because my District was pushing for us to use Twitter. In the beginning, I did not understand their reasoning; to me, it was just another item I had to keep up and maintain. Eventually, I started to notice several exciting ways to continue using it. I could promote the great things that my students were doing in my classroom; I also could use it as a source of inspiration, you can find great ideas that you can apply to your class right away.
Developing a professional learning community was an additional non intentional result in joining Twitter. I love to be able to to make a quick consultation or ask my PLC’s opinion about a topic. In the same way, if someone is asking about something and I can help with I gladly do it. For example, Kyle Niemis is a teacher from New Jersey (part of my PLN), he developed a new technology tool online called classroomq (which organizes the way your students ask for help during class), and wanted to have my opinion as a teacher. He invited me to try the site, and I sent my comments via Twitter message. I do not know him personally, but we still can collaborate and help each other, and by the way, he gave me access to the Premium version of the site for free! I know, PLN’s are not about obtaining something in return, but about expanding your limits of collaboration and learning farther than the next door teachers at your school. So, the best thing about all of this is that he gave me the opportunity to learn about his work and how to use his tool. You should take a look and try it out.
Image courtesy of classroomq.com
In Twitter, I follow a few chats my favorites are: #tosachat, ” chat among Teachers on Special Assignment, including #edtech and instructional coaches,” Mondays at 10:00 pm CTS and #ditchbook, “educators discussing ways to use digital tools and other resources,” on Thursdays at 9:00 pm CTS. Twitter Chats allow you to meet other educators, grow your PLN and have relevant conversations with people all over the world that have similar interests than you; I try to participate whenever possible.
The link below is a comprehensive calendar of Educational Twitter Chats managed by the following professionals:
@cybraryman1, @conniehamilton, @thomascmurray, @cevans5095 and @jrochelle.
Educational Twitter Chats Calendar
Review the calendar and find a Twitter chat that you may be interested in participating and try it out; you will not regret it!
Another Great Platform
Another great place to develop PLN’s is Google+. There is a community for all needs.
For example:
EducatorsEdTech Team Global Community
GEG-CENTX Changing the world of technology and education in the Texas area. You can find at least one of these communities per state.
Connected Classroom Workshop – Bring the world into your classroom through Google+ through Skype or Google Hangouts.
Classrooms connected – Your key to unlock the world through Skype or Google Hangouts.
Join Twitter or Google+ and click on Discover to find and join different communities in which you may be interested. We do not have to do our job alone, let us find someone to collaborate!
