Tuesday 18 March 2008

Twitter - it works for me.

I think one of the best things about being a connected learner/educator (and I count myself as both - I am learning so much) is the global connections I am able to make. I am building my Twitter network, working towards regular blog posts and avidly reading and following the blogs of other educators. I also belong to a couple of nings (links in sidebar). Twitter for me really has been the most powerful social networking tool. I know I have probably said it before, but it really has made a huge difference to me, both personally and professionally. When I try to explain what it is to others I tend to get funny looks or comments like, "Well what's the point?" I am also aware that there are some out there in cyber space who also see little value in it.
Those I follow through Twitter are all educators and this is where it really works for me. I am able to follow, share with, learn from and connect with like minded others in a form of self driven PD. Twitter has broadened my knowledge of the educational potential available through net based 2.0 tools. I can see what others are doing with their classes and even organise for my children to participate in global collaborative projects.
Last night was a perfect example of why Twitter works for me. My class are soon to be producing video commercials for their "Advertising Me" unit and I was searching for useful ways to teach them about camera angles. I put out a tweet asking if anyone knew of any sites or resources - I figured that maybe someone would see and I might get a reply. In a matter of minutes I'd had responses from several people, for a range of different sites relating to my query. I was stoked! needless to say, my class had a wonderful time today exploring the links and developing a really solid understanding of terms like close up, mid shot, panning, worms eye view, etc.
The second neat thing (well for me anyway) that occurred last night came just as I was thinking about closing the laptop and trotting off to bed. Suzie Vesper and Sujokat both sent out tweets asking if anyone wanted to try out WiZiQ. I didn't even know what it was but thought ,"why not?" What followed was half an hour of mirth, merriment and good old fashioned fun as we played with this. It was neat to hear people's voices, especially as they are all people I "talk"(read as type/write) to online, but have never met in person. I also got an opportunity to explore a tool for collaboration and presentations that I would other wise have had no knowledge of . My mind is already churning over the possibilities - I even jokingly suggested to another teacher this morning that you could teach from home if you were sick as you'd be able to hear the class, talk to them, share files with them and write up info for them. They could do the same for you at home. (Don't worry I'm not quite that bad...yet!)
The net result of my experiences last night was that while I got a few hours less sleep then I should have, I had expanded my horizons, made connections, interacted with others and felt a real sense of community and belonging.

5 comments:

  1. Yeah - what you are saying makes a lot of sense - and I enjoy following your tweets and learning from them. I also enjoy the perspective of the few non-educators I follow as well. It is quite refreshing in the evening to hear from people who are NOT madly trying to prepare for tomorrow:)
    Also, the teaching from home has been done in NZ. I ws very interested last year to follow Mr Woody's absence and how his class responded
    http://peachgroveroom5.blogspot.com/
    look through his archives to earlier last year I think...
    So go on, take a day off :)

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  2. I hear you! Since starting on Twitter in January this year I feel I have grown in my capacity to learn from and with others. It has definitely been a form of online, self-directed PD for me.
    I have enjoyed following your tweets since being part of your network.

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  3. Yup! It is so hard to explain to others who are not involved how much your world expands and the power of making these connections. Just jump in and try everything! It was lovely hearing your voice too. Happy blogging!

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  4. Twitter is a great medium for keeping in touch with others with like interests.

    We are just trialling Twitter to cell phone as a way of notifying parents of school notices and emergencies.

    A cost free application that has lots of potential- I will Tweet about it if it gets off the ground properly.

    @AllanahK

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  5. I agree. I have made a lot of connections and learn when I stop by Twitter. I think the way the teachers I communicate with make it useful. I'm glad I've made your acquaintance across the miles and look forward to sharing with you.

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