In a recent post to her blog, Education Tech Specialist Kathy Schrock discusses the advantages of using Twitter for professional development. Through her Twitter account, Kathy learned about the Leadership Day Initiative, which gave educational technologist the opportunity to share different ideas, challenges, resources and needs related to classroom technologies with local administrators. Teachers could, "Write a letter...Post a top ten list. Make a podcast or a video. Highlight a local success or challenge. Recommend some readings. Do an interview of a successful technology leader." The goal of the Leadership Day Initiative was to help educate administrators on the advantages of using educational technology, and how to implement, research and utilize those tools. Shrock became an instant fan of the initiative - and why wouldn't she? I predict only good things can come out of such open communication between educators and administrators.
The point of Shrock's post, however, was not to applaud the Leadership Day Initiative but how she found out about it. She "follows" a personal friend named Patrick not only because he's her friend, but because he's a principal and involved in classroom media. She likes to read his "tweets" so she can learn about events like the Leadership Day Initiative. Shrock realizes she's only touched the tip of the iceberg on how Twitter can expand and enhance her knowledge of her field. Since she learns much from Patrick, she decides to "follow" some of his friends as well and expand her network of resources.
Professionals and students therefore do not need to use Twitter only to catch up on celebrity gossip or mundane, every-day happenings. This form of social media offers kids and teachers the opportunity for educational growth based on who they "follow," and what those people "tweet" about. Doing so has real-world implications. High school and college students should consider the networking possibilities of Twitter when applying for jobs, looking for internships or learning more about a prospective field. Shrock sums it up perfectly at the end of her post:
"This same skillset is what we are trying to help students develop as we prepare then for the digital, global workforce and world-- find the experts, participate in the process, and collaborate. With the information explosion, there is no way anyone can know everything. However, knowing where to turn with a question or when trying to keep up with what is going on in a certain field, is a skill that will lead to our students to become lifelong learners!"
I think the idea of tweeting for educational purposes is a really great idea. We know that students already use this resource and why not take advantage of it as educators. I think it helps relate their everday experiences back to the classroom. If used properly this could have a great impact on learning outside of the school environment and helps develop a more open and creative space for students.
ReplyDeleteI think Kathy Schrock is brilliant! Taking a popular form of social media like Twitter and using it in an educational setting will engage young students in subjects that seem uninteresting to them. Thanks for sharing her and your ideas!
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing out this great idea – tweeting for professional development! As educators its essential we continue to keep up to date with trends in our field. Twitter can provide not only links to big activities but also 140 characters worth of advice!
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