TWITTER CHALLENGE
Created by @conniehamilton
Take the 10 Twitter Challenge!
I tried to follow key people in education to see if I could figure it out, but I really didn't get much out of watching the limited tweets in my feed. About a year ago, I began making an effort to send out Tweets to see what would happen. I had just under 100 followers and wondered if they would respond. @briancalley came for March is Reading Month and after I tweeted his picture, I received my first "retweet".
I played in this space for several months, tweeting to my under 100 followers, experimenting with hash-tags, but all along, I knew I was missing what other's referred to as the "Best PD Out There".
Then, I discovered Twitter Chats. They're essentially on-line PLCs that "meet" on a consistent basis at a designated time/place to discuss a predetermined topic. Groups like #4thchat are groups of fourth grade teachers who hop on Twitter every Monday night at 8pm. Likewise #TMchat (Thinking Maps chat) gathers each Sunday night at 10pm to talk about a variety of classroom issues. Topics such as passion and engagement lead to great conversation and sharing of ideas between "tweeps".
In a few short months, I'm HOOKED! I've made connections with people all over the world on educational topics. I was invited to an EdCamp (that's another incredible PD format... for another day) in Dallas and was able to meet F2F (Face to Face), some of the people from whom I had been learning for months.
I have shared my views, my learning, and the incredible things happening at Saranac Community Schools with my Twitter PLN (Personal Learning Network). There's no end to where Twitter can go and I'm bursting to share this FREE resource with you to help teachers get connected to others outside your school and region.
Therefore, I initiated a 10 Twitter Challenge
#SCSPLN (Saranac Community Schools Professional Learning Network)
Although this 10 Twitter Challenge was originally designed for the SCS-staff, it's now open to any educators who want to learn how to use Twitter.
Here's the 10 Twitter Challenge...
Challenge #1
Your photo will be an EGG. Make sure you change the egg to a picture (doesn't have to be your face, but it can't stay a Twitter egg)
Update your profile so that others can see your role in education, passions, and interests.
If you already have an account, help someone else get set up!
Then share your Twitter handle with us on the Google Doc below! Follow your colleagues!
Challenge #2
Reminder: Check the "follow" lists of your colleagues and find some folks to follow. This is a great way to grow your PLN!
Challenge #3
Retweet other's pictures/tweets and spread the joy of learning beyond our school walls!
Challenge #4
Challenge #5
Commit to a chat in the next 6 days! Remember, lurking is okay. Then tweet out which chat you will be going to! Include the chat hashtag, as well as our school hashtag, in your tweet.
For example:
"I'm going to be joining #TMchat Sunday at 10pm EST! #SCSPLN"
or
"I am going to be joining #5thchat Tuesday at 8pm EST! #SCSPLN"
FYI: The #miched chat at 8pm EST on Wednesday is Michigan teachers, however don't hesitate to join another state's chat. I particularly enjoy South Carolina, Texas, Florida, and Ohio chats.
Reminder: FOLLOW some folks in your chat tonight and grow your PLN!
Challenge #6
For example, if @stacysanders3 tweets
- "I'm looking forward to joining #weirdedchat on Wednesday. #SCSPLN"
Then on Thursday you might tweet,
- "@stacysanders3 How was your #weirdedchat last night? #SCSPLN"
Then watch for a notification from @stacysanders3 for her reply to your question.
Twitter Chat Basics
Use Hashtags Sparingly
Trending topics are those topics being discussed more than others.
Conferences, events, chats, organizations can all use hashtags
Challenge #7
Tag it with the person's Twitter handle and also use the hashtag #SCSPLN (See example below!)
Challenge #8
Use the hashtag #SCSPLN
Read the tweets of other teachers and find someone from whom you could go learn more!
Challenge #9
It could be something you learned, or a resource that was shared, or any thought about the chat itself! Tag it with the chat's hashtag and also use the hashtag #SCSPLN.
If you are giving credit to someone else, be sure to include his/her Twitter handle in the tweet as well!
Example:
Thanks for sharing the article on healthy grading practices @drjolly. I'm implementing from it. #SCSPLN
Challenge #10
#FF means "Friday Follow" a chance for you to share a few who you think others should follow! So today, #FF a few people and tell us who we should be following!
Use the hashtag #SCSPLN (See example below!)
Worth Watching... Less than 3 minutes
The video below talks about the importance of being the first to try out a new idea. We hope it inspires you!