This document provides an overview of how to use Twitter and why it can be useful for educators. It describes the basic features of Twitter, including how to create an account, follow other users, post tweets, use hashtags, and more. It also gives several examples of how teachers are using Twitter in the classroom to expand discussions, share announcements, and involve students in online conversations related to class topics.

1. How to use Twitter
&
Why you should use Twitter

2. What is Twitter?
 140 Characters of information.
 Great way to communicate with other educators from
around the world.
 Great way to get ideas for your classes.
 Communicate your message with parents & community
members.

3. Get Started with Twitter
 www.twitter.com
 1. Create a username by using your email address and create
a password.
 http://screencasts.teachercast.net/intro-to-twitter-pt-1-
creating-your-account/
 2. Username can include letters, numbers, underscore (15
character maximum)
 3. Add a picture & add a bio (tell people what you do, your
interests, you personality)

4. Following People, Places, Things
 Go to the Search Box and type a username or name in the
Search Box. (ex. If I type “Jerry”, users with the name of
“Jerry” appear or people I have tweeted with name of “Jerry”
appear.)
 Search for people or topics with interests that match yours.
 Select Follow on a user and you will receive/see all of their
Tweets.

5. Submit a Tweet
 A tweet consists of 140 characters as mentioned above.
 If you see red or negative numbers, that means you have too
many characters and you will have to shorten your tweet to
have it submitted.
 Let people know what your doing, what’s on your mind, etc.

6. Advanced Twitter Applications
 Send someone a Direct Message – a private tweet that
appears in a user’s Twitter inbox. You can only Direct
Message a person that’s following you.
 #Hashtags – (pound sign) can be added to your tweet
making it easier to search for. (ex. #nlpanthers).
 Hashtags are a great way to promote an event or conference.
 Retweet – allows you to share links & tweets you’ve found
with your followers.

7. Advanced Twitter Applications
 Block – you can block anyone you don’t want following you.
Blocking prevents a user from following, sending you a reply
or mention you.
 Go to the profile page of the person you wish to block. Click
the Person Icon and under Actions, select Block.
 Protected Tweets –You can protect your tweets by making
them private. By default, all tweets are public unless you
protect your tweets.
 Visual Guide for Twitter Lingo -
http://www.edudemic.com/handy-visual-guide-twitter-lingo/

8. Let’s get our own #Hashtag# chat started
 Go to the Search Box and type in #newlextech
 Type in #newlextech
 Or, you can tweet #newlextech
 I will ask a question and you respond back with your answer.
Make sure you include #newlextech in your response or it will
not be included in the chat.
 When you see Q1, Q2, etc., respond back with A1: (and your
answer)

9. Ways to use Twitter in Teaching
 Twitter can be used to expand discussions, advertise
announcements, involve others in class outside class setting.
 28 Ways to use Twitter while teaching
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2011/07/28-creative-ideas-for-teaching-
with-twitter/
 Ways High Schools are using Twitter in the classroom -
http://www.teachthought.com/social-media/20-ways-high-schools-are-
using-twitter-in-the-classroom/
 60 ways to use Twitter in the classroom -
http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2011/12/60-inspiring-examples-
of-twitter-in-the-classroom/

10. Where can I get Twitter help?
 This site is a great resource for all of the Twitter help that you
need:
 http://www.cybraryman.com/twitter.html
 Some Hashtags to follow:
 https://docs.google.com/a/seovec.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=
0AiftIdjCeWSXdDRLRzNsVktUUGJpRWJhdUlWLS1Genc#gid
=0

11. NLCSD Twitter Usernames & Others
 @NLHSprincipal – Bobby Dodd
 @NLHS_NEWS – New Lexington High School
 @tfsherburne –Tonya Sherburne
 @pickjanie – Janie Halaiko
 @OHAppCollab – Ohio Appalachian Collaboration
 Lets follow @OHAppCollab and find the tweet “what are you
thankful for? Share using #WeAreOAC “ and share what you
are thankful for. Include the hashtag #WeAreOAC