This document provides an overview of Twitter and how it can be used professionally by educators. It defines key Twitter terms like tweets, hashtags, replies and retweets. It outlines how Twitter can be used to rapidly disseminate school information, reminders and updates. It also discusses the benefits of using Twitter to build a personal learning network and access educational resources from following other experts in the field.

1. Twitter for Educators By Maureen Cohen GHSAPrincipal Grafton High School 2011

2. Twitter is a free Web 2.0 social networking service that allows users to send and receive messages known as tweets. These tweets are 140 characters or less. Everything you need to know about Twitter: http://mashable.com/guidebook/twitter / What is Twitter?

4. @ Reply sent to a specific person but visible to all RT Re-Tweet or resending another person ’ s tweet. Retweets are an extremely important part of Twitter because it allows interesting ideas and news to spread quickly DM Direct message in private to a specific person. You can only DM a person who is following you # Hashtag designating a topic as in #MSSAAAP, #Edchat The language of Twitter

5. Twitter.com Cell phone-As text message Application on computer- Tweetdeck Cellphone-application Top Twitter Applications Include: Twitpic, Tweetdeck, digsby, Twitterfeed, Twitterholoc http://techcrunch.com/2009/02/19/the-top-20-twitter-applications / Access to Twitter

6. Professional Growth Create your own PLN “ Personal Learning Network ” Why use Twitter?

7. Benefits of a PLN

9. Rapidly disseminate information for your school Congratulations! “ Great win for the soccer team today!” Meetings/Events Reminders “ GHS Open House tonight at 7pm” #GHSNews “Dance guest forms due by Friday.” “ Recognition Day today at GHS!”#GHSNews “ Emergency Info “ Early dismissal today 11am, due to hurricane.” Why Use Twitter?

11. 3 A’s to Remember: Information can be : Accessed Adapted Archived Once it is out there, it is out there. Important Issues with Social Networking

12. http ://.twitter.com/robertjmarzano http://twitter.com/sirkenrobinson http://twitter.com/ ascd Or search for the following on Twitter: bhsprincipal GHSAPrincipal mcleod northeagles Look at who they follow and their followers to build up your network. Check this google doc out for ideas: http ://bit.ly/ gyf8W3 Who Should I Follow?

13. Tweet deck--Conversations

14. Twitter for Teachers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV5j_OIKPp4&feature= related How to use Twitter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0xbjIE8cPM Twitter Videos