If you aren’t using Twitter to build your Professional Learning Network, or PLN for short, you are missing out on GREAT professional development!
Using Twitter, I have made contacts with educators from throughout the state, country, and even world! Through these connections, I’ve been able to find ways to improve my teaching! We’ve had virtual book clubs with classes in the Northeast, Skype debates with students in the Midwest, and discussion post conversations with teachers and students from the South.
How do you meet these educators? Where do you make these connections?
One word: TWITTER
Hashtags are a great way to find educators with common content area, grade levels, and pedagogies. Below are a list of some of my go-tos when searching for best practices (and new colleagues!) in education!
1. #EdChat
The Mothership of all Education hashtags. This is THE place to be, especially on Tuesdays. Every Tuesday you’ll find the stream completely flooded with amazing conversation through their weekly chats held at 12pm EST and 7pm EST. For more information, click here.
2. #ELearning
This stream is dedicated to conversations surrounding digital and virtual learning. Tons of resources to share on this site focusing on digital learning.
3. #EdTech
Similar to the #ELearning hashtag, but in my opinion, more active. I find great resources here! Websites, apps, practical strategies for integrating technology. Definitely worth looking into.
4. #LrnChat
Exactly what it says… “Learn Chat.” These are weekly conversations, held Thursdays at 8:30 pm EST, where anyone interested in learning can come to share ideas. Chat topics include: Learning outside your comfort zone, Data, and Mentoring and Coaching. Follow @LRNChat for more!
5. #BYOD
A hashtag for those of us in Bring Your Own Device settings, corporate or education-based. This hashtag shares strategies for roll out, policies, and an overview of things to consider.
6. #NTChat
#NTChat was the first place I started on Twitter. It’s the New Teacher Chat. The stream is dedicated to best practices in education, not necessarily technology based! Bi-weekly chats on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 8pm EST. Topics include teacher coaching, lesson planning, and classroom management.
Any of your favorites that I left out? Share them below!
