Twitter Basics for Teachers
How to navigate the Twitterverse with ease:)
Why should I use Twitter? What is all the fuss about?
Twitter is a completely unique experience for each user. People use Twitter to follow celebrities, athletes, politicians, industry leaders AS WELL AS educational leaders & peers. Millions of teachers share resources, ideas, passions and challenges each day. Though there is a perceived learning curve to be able to navigate the Twitterverse, we feel that by using this guide, you'll be able to hold your own in no time!
Don't forget - there are several YouTube videos and other platforms with great tutorials if you need additional help!
Create and Access Your Account
You can create an account on your phone (using the Twitter app) or by visiting the Twitter website. You will be asked to create an account (username and password) and you will have to verify your account. Here are a few tips for account creation:
- You will need to give an email address. You can choose your personal or professional email.
- Choose a password that is easy to remember.
- Choose a username that people can associate with - you will be much easier to find in searches.
- Don't make your username too long.
- Make sure you write down/save your username and password where you can recall them if necessary. Recovering a Twitter account when you can't find your info can be extremely difficult.
Common Twitter Symbols
These common symbols will be the same on your desktop or mobile device. Understanding what the symbols mean is essential in learning how to use Twitter effectively. We have selected six symbols to describe in detail. Always make sure you are using the right symbol for your desired Twitter action. If you get confused, always go back to the "home" option and start again!
USERS
USERS are the individuals or the "who" on Twitter. Each Twitter user has a Twitter handle. Some usernames look nearly identical, so if you're writing one down to use later, be sure to double check.
SEARCH BAR
In the SEARCH BAR, you can search by name, by topic (#) or by user (@). You can also enter a topic or a name without symbols, but these searches aren't as detailed.
HOME
The HOME button will take you to your home page. You will see the feed of all the people you follow, your Twitter info, trends and "who to follow" to grow your audience.
NOTIFICATIONS
The NOTIFICATIONS button will take you to a place where you will see all the likes/retweets of your tweets and also who specifically mentions you in a tweet. You can also turn off/on/modify Twitter app notifications on your device in your app settings.
MESSAGES
The MESSAGES button will take you to your direct messages. These are like your Facebook messages or an email. They are private.
How to Interact with Another User
- To like someone's tweet, click the heart symbol.
- To retweet someone's tweet, click the double arrow symbol.
- To reply to someone's tweet, click the single arrow symbol.
- To follow a user, hover over or click on their name and click on the follow symbol.
How to Tweet
You have 280 characters. Use them wisely.
- Tag users by using the @ and their handles.
- Use hashtags by using the # - you must use the correct one to show up in that search.
- The 280 limit will decrease with each character you type. Keep an eye on the wheel-like symbol in the bottom right portion of your tweet!
- If you copy/paste a link, it counts as 23 characters (no matter how long it actually is).
- Don't mention yourself (by using your own username) in your Tweets - it is considered rude and in very poor taste!
- Don't tag several people at the end of a tweet just because you have room.
- If you want to send a tweet to just one user, put their handle (username) at the beginning of the tweet. If not, the tweet will go to all of your followers.
Personalizng your Twitter Experience
- Choose a username that people can associate with you
- Don't make your username too long
- Add NCBT behind your actual name (not the username)
- Choose a profile photo - don't leave it blank!
- Describe who you are in your profile
- Share what you do in education (role, content, etc.)
- Share your school and district/prof. org.
- Add at least one hashtag (#NBCT, #TeamNBCT, #WeAreJCPS, #KYGoDigital)
- List your blog or website if you have one
Click Here - Basic "Rules to Tweet By"
Click here for basic Twitter etiquette rules. You can also Google "Basic Twitter Rules" if you want to learn more. This link does a great job of explaining basic tweeting rules.
Click here to learn how to take part in a Twitter chat
This link will take you to another S'more newsletter with a step by step Twitter chat guide.