The document discusses the benefits of using social media, specifically Twitter, for educators. Twitter promotes links and connections with experts in one's field, keeps users updated on trends and research, and allows for quick sharing of information to build a professional network. The presenter found success in creating professional connections, deepening relationships with colleagues, and discovering new resources to improve their teaching through social media. Some challenges included finding the right balance of social media use and determining which platforms were best for sharing different types of information. The presenter also reflects on their experience with online learning and how it helped them better understand their students.

1. Social Media for
Educators
Presentation
Drew Shanefield
March, 2016

2. The Most Useful Tool
Twitter – project #1

3. Why Twitter?!
• Promotes links and connections with
experts, colleagues, and practitioners
• Keeps one updated with current trends,
policies and research in the field
• Allows quick reception of information and
instant re-direction of information
• Helps to build a professional network, both
locally and world-wide

4. Successes
• Creating professional connections with
others in the field
• Deepening present professional
relationships with current colleagues
• Discovering a myriad of resources to
improve my practice of teaching
• Understanding I have more to learn and
ways to share what I have learned

5. Challenges
• Creating a professional routine that allowed me ample
Social Media contact time
• Finding significant and sound contacts in the area of jazz
education on Google+
• Connecting with a music education community on
Delicious, where I was frequently the first person to add
and tag websites
• Determining which social media sites were most
appropriate for posting information. (i.e.. “would this be
better to post on Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn, or all
three?”)

6. My Take on
Moodle and Online Learning
• 24/7 access to the course, requirements, and links is
effective and convenient
• However, I missed the contact and interaction with
peers and teachers in real-time
• Added responsibility and accountability placed on
the student to take ownership of the content and
coursework
• New teaching technology = new learning
opportunities
• With the aid of this course, I feel like I better
understand my students, how they learn and how
they interface with social media

7. My Collection of Works to Share
(click on the hyperlink)
• Twitter
• Delicious
• LinkedIn
• Google+
• MS Band Director