Abstract

Tweet 4 PD & Community

Conference: Computer Using Educators (CUE)
Date: March 2011
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Audience: Computer using educators nationwide

Brief Description (30 words or less)
Twitter is a a dynamic, relevant, and fun social media tool that can be used to extend the learning experience, both for the student AND for the teacher!

Abstract (1 page outline of presentation)
Twitter is a a dynamic, relevant, and fun way to reach out beyond the classroom walls by engaging teachers and students alike in professional development and community building conversations. The presenter has been using Twitter in both of these capacities for several years and has discovered a communication space filled with intriguing “twits” willing to share what they know with those willing to listen. Twitter is not a spectator sport. You can't understand what it is by looking at it from the outside. To discover the true gems, you have to dive in and actively participate in the dialogue. Participants will experience a Twitter-like knowledge exchange while the presenter facilitates a conversation about how to use this dynamic technology tool to increase learning... both for the student AND for the teacher!

Hands-on activity (10 minutes)
Spreading the word. Participants will engage in a live, person-to-person “Twitter” session that will demonstrate the benefits of sharing information over a network of like-minded educators.

Overview (5 minutes)
What is a network? What is a learning community? How does Twitter fit in? What is Twitter... and what isn't Twitter?

Twitter for professional development (10-15 minutes)
 How to find and follow interesting people, build a learning network, and engage in the conversation. Discuss how to model active learning and appropriate digital citizenship to our students. Examples will be shared of how to use Twitter for professional development – find answers to questions, get help with project ideas, share learning resources, collaborate on activities, and communicate with classrooms across the country and the world!

Twitter for community building (10-15 minutes)
How to engage students, help them find academic resources, and interact with classmates; ideas for helping students connect to each other and the community. Examples will be shared of positive student interaction – project collaboration, knowledge creation, moral support, quick questions, and community building. Discussion about how to (and how much to) moderate and manage student “back channel” chatter. See Twitter as a learning opportunity to teach our students what it means to be good digital citizens engaged in actively building a personal learning network that will benefit them well beyond the classroom walls.

Tips & Tools (5-10 minutes)
Useful applications like Screenr; jargon (RTs, DMs, hashtags, fail whale, and more); tips on how to effectively grow and manage your network communication.

Q&A (5-10 minutes): Question and answer session

Handout/Web Resources: A “quick-start” guide to Twitter and a “best of Twitter” list will be handed out at the session and participants will have access to a website with helpful resources. http://www.collegeteacher.org/twitter/cue

Keywords: Twitter, "professional development", "student engagement"

Category of submission: concurrent

Topic: Professional Learning Communities; Multiple topic areas

Intended Audience: All

Targeted Topic to Educators: Not-grade level specific; ALL

Category: Teaching and Learning; Innovation

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