Tweeting in the Library

Librarians love Twitter not only because it provides an instant and easy window into what is happening in their libraries, but also because it serves as a tremendous professional development resource as well as a tool to globally connect teachers and students. 

Using Twitter right from your cell phone enables librarians to provide the entire school community with a window into their library. Tracy Karas a Librarian in New York City uses her phone to Tweet updates about new books that have come in, to celebrate student successes, to provide reminders about upcoming events and more. All these Tweets are embedded directly on her library page from the school’s website. 

I want more »

Look Who's All A- Twitter About Education

Me, Diane Ravitch, and Amanda Enclade 

You may have heard that our President made history this week by Tweeting live. Well politicians aren't the only ones who realize the power of social media for connecting, conversing, teaching, learning, and informing.  Innovative educators are also harnessing the power of social media in their work.  Most recently "This Week in Education's" Alexander Russo recognized 70-something Diane Ravitch as the most influential tweeter in the education policy space according to Klout.com.  As reported this week, by "Education Next" Russo, a freelance writer and blogger, remarked sardonically, “a 72-year-old grandmother has won the Internet.” She’s done it not only by linking to columns and articles she agrees with, but by offering bumper sticker–style statements that tend to set the web aflame. For instance, “Accountability is only for teachers and principals, not for students, families, elected officials, district leadership.” Or: “Last places to go to find out how to ‘reform’ schools: Congress/State Legislature/US Dept of Education.”

As I was reading the article and cheering for grandma Ravitch, I read on and was surprised, but happy, to see myself along with many educators with whom I'm friendly and I admire also listed in the top 25 list of educators.  How cool!  I've loved Twitter as a tool to drive and continue conversations and I'm psyched to be recognized among an awesome bunch for doing so.  If you're not following the people below on Twitter, they are certainly worth consideration.  I'm connected with most all of them and they've contributed immensely to my personal learning and I'm sure they will be to yours as well :-)
 

Why Twitter is a big deal

It seems every week I'm asked or told by illTwitterates that they don't get what the big deal is with this whole social media thing.  They don't get the idea of powerful conversations and connections.  They don't get that many of those I've connected with through social media become friends IRL too.  They don't understand that if f-2-f can occur with those with whom I've connected, it does.  They seem perplexed as to how I can develop enough trust with folks through social media that I actually have had many of these people in my home for a visit or overnight stay if they happen to be in my city.

This week there were three interesting articles The Innovative Educator Daily Newspaper that did a great job of summarizing my thoughts on the topic. 
I want more »