Good morning #nt2t - Keri from NYC, joining for the first time. ESL teacher and founder of #ECSchat, the education case study chat, Sundays at 7 PM ET.
Everyone is welcome at today's chat... just knock before entering. Tell us your name, location, and role/interest in education. We've already got your handle. #nt2t
How about an icebreaker: Tell us a story from anytime in your life that involved a handle. Any kind of handle: Door handle, suitcase handle... (I've got stories on each of those.) #nt2t
Knock knock... John from STL MO turning the handle for #nt2t this AM... we have round handles on our cabinet doors... can't count the # of times pockets or other clothing has hung up on these causing near disasters... maybe I should switch those out??
My icebreaker story: I was 6 and we arrived at my grandparents' brand new house on Cape Cod. The doors had those handles you pull down to open. Upon my first use of the bathroom, I couldn't figure out how to get out. I began to cry.
I didn't say it had to be a happy story. #nt2t
Like when the handle broke off the toilet door and i thought I was going to stuck there forever but then realised I could turn the latch with my fingernail. #nt2t
Be glad I was freed in that long-ago summer or I might not be hosting for you today! Say hi to my #nt2t co-conspirators, @shyj, @stephwurking, @seni_bl & @hturk139. They're not all here so they might thank you later.
#nt2t Sigh... my internet is going in and out again this morning, so please forgive me if I have delayed responses. Mediacom has been out multiple times and there is no better service in the area plus it's storming so that always makes it even worse -- still excited to be here!
Question and answer time!
Q1) How does your Twitter "handle" and profile affect your journey? (For Twitter newbies: Your "handle" is your Twitter name. Mine is @JeremyDBond.) #nt2t
A1: This really can make a big difference and wish I had thought it through better. My handle was meant to be more classroom related but has become my personal handle. For professional use, an not so professional handle can be disastrous (just like e-mail name) ##nt2t
A1) I guess it's the first thing people see. If it make you look doubtful people might avoid you... but then sometimes all the good ones are gone #nt2t
A1) I've changed my profile as my Twitter journey has evolved. My identity on here developed naturally as I engaged in certain topics and Twitter chats. I found a niche, so now my profile reflects that. #nt2t
#nt2t I created my Twitter handle before I begin using Twitter professionally and for my classroom. It is simply my first and last name with an underscore in between. Nothing fancy. However it enables people to find me more quickly.
Question and answer time!
Q1) How does your Twitter "handle" and profile affect your journey? (For Twitter newbies: Your "handle" is your Twitter name. Mine is @JeremyDBond.) #nt2t
A1b) no doubt profile matter. It's a quick glimpse into who you are and the place many decide if they want to interact with you. But you have to be you, people find what they are looking for and avoid what they don't want #nt2t
I took similar tack, Gwena. Generally worked out though, in hindsight, I might've economized on characters -- even with Twitter's increased limits lately. #nt2t
I was struggling to find a name and desperate to just try out this twitter thing. And a Chalkie is a teacher and I didn't want to be a disgruntled voice #nt2t
A1 - like an email address, you want your handle to project the image you are looking for and the Tweeps you are looking to connect with. Therefore, at Mr.studly is probably no good! Lol #nt2t
That handle would likely get you a whole different group of followers :) But so right.... a handle doesn't need to be perfect but it does need to be crafted well #nt2t
I once read an article somewhere on Twitter, I forget where now, that gave tips on how to create a good profile description. It said your description basically is your digital fingerprint or identity on Twitter. It was an excellent article and caused me to change quite a bit.
Yes. I had to write to a parent whose email address sounded very sexual. Now I'm always scared that email will pop up in my suggestions when someone is looking over my shoulder #nt2t
A1 - like an email address, you want your handle to project the image you are looking for and the Tweeps you are looking to connect with. Therefore, at Mr.studly is probably no good! Lol #nt2t
#nt2t A2: Twitter has an option available of creating lists. You can add someone who has too much information or tweeting for you to a list you create. This will limit the amount of information you feel bombarded with from that person. :-)
Does a hashtag in your profile allow people to search for you with that hashtag - or it's just there for when people are looking at your profile they can see what you're affiliated with? #nt2t
Lacking the organizing gene... I'm not sure... but I hear Twitter Lists are supposed to help with this. Have started to use these but haven't jumped in with both feet. #nt2t
A2) I organize whom I follow through the use of Twitter lists. (Ask if you want more details.) As for followers I don't follow back, I try to put them in a list too, for my reference (except for accounts that appear to be bots or ads). #nt2t
The biggest advantage when you include hashtags in your profile is that when people search for that hashtag, you come up (usually under the "People" tab). #TwitterSmarter#nt2t
Does a hashtag in your profile allow people to search for you with that hashtag - or it's just there for when people are looking at your profile they can see what you're affiliated with? #nt2t
A2) I tried sending a Merry Christmas message to all my followers last year. I thought I would schedule the I was hard work... and I could only schedule 1000 #nt2t
I recommend lists! I put everyone I'm following in a list. You can choose whether to put followers you're not following in a list, but it makes it easier to actually follow hundreds or thousands of people when they're not lost in a single feed. #nt2t
A2) With all respect to my wonderful followers, people follow you because you have something to say they might be interested in. I can't control what they are interested in so i just try and be me #nt2t
So do you just go to that particular list of interest when you want to see what is going on in that "world"? I set one up and added it to Tweetdeck as a column but never really look at it #nt2t
I recommend lists! I put everyone I'm following in a list. You can choose whether to put followers you're not following in a list, but it makes it easier to actually follow hundreds or thousands of people when they're not lost in a single feed. #nt2t
I've always wondered how it affects people who are already well-known under a different handle. If they tag your old handle I assume you don't get a notification. #nt2t
In reply to
@GruntledChalkie, @amynicolebettis, @mtartaro
A3) You're at a party. You don't want to do anything that prevents you getting less canapés.
Be polite, if someone tries to argue with you ignore them #nt2t
A3: I try to RT every question with my answer so that people who stumble upon random "A1" tweets know exactly what the question is and can easily find the moderator. I make this a norm during my own chat #nt2t
A3b: Handling myself in chats... remembering to read other responses but know you won't always see everything... don't be afraid to have side convos and try to follow someone new each time (this doesn't always get done) #nt2t
Exactly. I have so many lists (most of my lists are private, just because it would look unwieldy to most). Some lists aren't to look at but for reference, say, if I'm finding people in a certain region or field that I don't necessarily need to follow all the time. #nt2t
I've been luck on that front.
But sometimes I fee the conversation is going where I don't want to so I just stop talking... and look for more canapés #nt2t
A3: I’m still working to find the balance between writing my answers to the questions and engaging in conversations about what others are posting!! I like sharing my answers to ?s, but I LOVE learning from conversations around other people’s replies!! #nt2t
A3: I try to RT every question with my answer so that people who stumble upon random "A1" tweets know exactly what the question is and can easily find the moderator. I make this a norm during my own chat #nt2t
The great thing about twitter chats is it flattens things out. It does not matter if you are a classroom aide, teacher, custodian or principal. Everyone is working to learn from one another...
#nt2t
A3 - PRO TIP - Once you get more savvy you can use sites like TweetDeck to help you participate in multiple chats at once! They help you filter out the "noise" #nt2t
A3 Analogy I learned from @AngelaMaiers: Twitter & related chats can be like potlucks, so bring good stuff, sample generously, share. My add: Include credit for who made what, as is feasible :) #nt2t
Me too. I was like "WHY is everyone writing A1 and then random things that have nothing to do with anything?" Eventually I discovered that they were answering questions. Took a few weeks. #nt2t
As I was prepping I was thinking about other ways of doing this. Maybe we could have open forums now and then with just one opening question. I encourage your feedback and ideas! #nt2t
A4: Maybe I need a definition of spammer because I don't feel like I've noticed them much (or I've become so familiar with them they go unnoticed??). So not sure how I handle them #nt2t
In a #ditchbook chat not too long ago, the format was like an edcamp... opening question was to throw out topics/?s and then ppl could break off into convos that interested them. I was surprised by how well it worked out... was certainly different #nt2t
A4: I assume that a certain percentage of new followers will disappear within a few days if I don't follow them back, especially if their accounts have nothing to do with education and I know they're just following me to get me to follow them back. #nt2t
Me too. I was like "WHY is everyone writing A1 and then random things that have nothing to do with anything?" Eventually I discovered that they were answering questions. Took a few weeks. #nt2t
A3 Analogy I learned from @AngelaMaiers: Twitter & related chats can be like potlucks, so bring good stuff, sample generously, share. My add: Include credit for who made what, as is feasible :) #nt2t
A4 - I usually block/ignore. However, sometimes they follow. There IS a way to remove followers WITHOUT blocking. Check it out here https://t.co/k8BDw7cOG9#nt2t
#nt2t This has been my favorite chat so far because it didn't grow too big, it's always been super supportive of everyone, kind and encouraging, inclusive, and you don't feel left out because the chat has grown too big to include you. :-)
Yeah true.
But sometimes people just like the alpaca pics and they might have something left field they can offer me. I follow quite a few people because they have an interest i didn't realise i had #nt2t
#nt2t I selected a handle as. A classroom teacher to "brand" my social media engagement seperate from my personal. So my professional presence is LitProfSuz across platfroms. I've tweaked the description as my jobs/location changed.
Question and answer time!
Q1) How does your Twitter "handle" and profile affect your journey? (For Twitter newbies: Your "handle" is your Twitter name. Mine is @JeremyDBond.) #nt2t
I found I had to adjust my chatting mindset, too. Participation became less about keeping up, more about contributing & learning what I could. Sometimes means going speedily w/flow; other times eddying out of stream w/1 participant to dig relatively deeper. #nt2t
I joined twitter 4 years ago. #nt2t was the first chat I participated in...I am glad to see it is still going strong. I have not been in this community in over 2 years. I am glad it is still thriving Shout out to @defstef98
I get a bunch of followers who are promoting cryptocurrencies and weight loss supplements, and I'm just like, "Yeah, they'll unfollow in a few days, I'm sure." #nt2t
A5: Started this journey this year... used a permission that allowed for Ps to say Yes to publishing S work and pic, just S work w/o pic or to say No to all. Had great response with most saying yes to all #nt2t New to it so far so no concerns yet
A5: I monitor all of my kids SM accounts. Need to teach Ps not to be afraid & give them tools so they do not feel left out. That fear is what causes the concerns. #nt2t
#nt2t I've given workshops on this. Have a picture, a clear description that indicates keywords of who you are and what you like. Have a banner that indicates something about you, & make sure you start following people because potential new followers look at who you follow.
I once read an article somewhere on Twitter, I forget where now, that gave tips on how to create a good profile description. It said your description basically is your digital fingerprint or identity on Twitter. It was an excellent article and caused me to change quite a bit.
A5) I happen to love Twitter and wouldn't need to be convinced, but for other things, as a parent, I want to know your why. Listen and explain how it will benefit the educational experience of their child--and of the parent. It's about bringing everyone's learning together. #nt2t
A5 - I have used it a great deal over the past 4 years. I require a more substantial photo permission form than my school/district does. I also cover faces with Twitter's emoji feature, take photos from "non-face" angles, or avoid certain students. I just gotta be sneaky. #nt2t
YES! I love this perspective on chatting - it can be such a hard balance trying to keep up with it all, but if I'm learning something by chatting on the side with someone then I'm learning to let the pressure to "keep up" with the chat go. #nt2t
#nt2t and @shyj are big reasons I tried my first #edcampstl last Feb... loved it. The chat format was certainly different and if you tried to follow everything you'd be swamped (just like you couldn't get to all edcamp sessions either).
We actually did a 24-hour+ global #nt2t chat last summer! But we did shift topics every hour or two. One of my shifts was like 1 a.m. my time. It was fun!
#nt2t A5: Most of our parents love seeing photos of their kids and what they are doing in class on Twitter! I take care to honor parent forms that request their children not be photographed. I also honor students who wish the same.
A5b: Use smiley faces to cover the no pics Ss and get creative with pic angles for Ss who were no to all... also don't forget to seek student permission about their work too... they need a say too #nt2t
A5 I'm in early days of dabbling w/students (many under age 13) filtering their book-recommendation tweets through my account as proxy, collated under #DearTitleHere hashtag. Presented as extension opportunity, rather than requirement. #nt2t
A5: All great tricks to make it happen. Sometimes you have to be creative. Also, try sending a copy of the daily classroom tweets out to show Ps what they are missing throught the day. Might get them on board. #nt2t
A5 - I have used it a great deal over the past 4 years. I require a more substantial photo permission form than my school/district does. I also cover faces with Twitter's emoji feature, take photos from "non-face" angles, or avoid certain students. I just gotta be sneaky. #nt2t
#nt2t This has been my favorite chat so far because it didn't grow too big, it's always been super supportive of everyone, kind and encouraging, inclusive, and you don't feel left out because the chat has grown too big to include you. :-)
A6: Shake my head a bit wondering why not... it is easy to jump on and follow (if not participate)... but also try to remember that everyone's situation is different... time, tech interest/skill etc can be burdens... so just keep sharing what I'm seeing #nt2t
#nt2t A6: I don't "handle" them at all. I can't force anyone to do what they don't want to do. So I simply state something like the fact that Twitter has helped me grow professionally more than anything else and leave it at that. It is in their hands, their choice after that.
I speak about how it is a cheap way to get new content and build a PLC and their is never any judgment around the ?s you may ask. I also tell teachers they have a lot to offer people they have not met yet #nt2t
I found I had to adjust my chatting mindset, too. Participation became less about keeping up, more about contributing & learning what I could. Sometimes means going speedily w/flow; other times eddying out of stream w/1 participant to dig relatively deeper. #nt2t
A5) I know that some teachers have their students compose Tweets on paper, post in the classroom & then the class approves & it gets posted on Twitter. So it is the students words. #nt2t
I speak about how it is a cheap way to get new content and build a PLC and their is never any judgment around the ?s you may ask. I also tell teachers they have a lot to offer people they have not met yet #nt2t
A6: I share with them what I’m learning and how I’m using it in my classroom, I offer to help them get set up/moving with it, and I share great chats I’ve found that they can “lurk” in to see how awesome a Twitter #pln can be!! #nt2t
Well #nt2t it is breakfast time here for a sweet 2.5 year old little girl... and she isn't quite ready to do that on her own (even though she'd like to)... so have to go... thanks to all for a great chat this Sat. morning. Enjoy the weekend
We lose nonverbal cues here, but anyway, I'm not here just to be in a land of happy agreement. ;) I learn the most from those who make me see things differently. #nt2t
A6 I'll engage in occasional soft sells that highlight returns on my Twitter investment: Credit for useful resources or empowering connections. If I'm pushing, I hope it's the purpose more than the platform. #nt2t
You're probably doing just fine!
#nt2t might not be big enough to attract spammers, but something like #satchat certainly does. Political and other posts that just snag the hashtag. I know because I have a running Tweetdeck column of that hashtag right now.
My daughters 4th grade T did this 5 yrs ago. The kids did the tweets. Used their initials so we knew if it was our child. First one was from my daughter. Proud mom moment that day. Gave me great after school convo starters with my kids. #nt2t
A5) I know that some teachers have their students compose Tweets on paper, post in the classroom & then the class approves & it gets posted on Twitter. So it is the students words. #nt2t
Twitter's time-shifting ability is an asset, too, enabling us to look at streams on our own terms, making room for asynchronous perspectives from around the world as timezone constraints ease -- or we stay up too late/rise too early! #nt2t
I found I had to adjust my chatting mindset, too. Participation became less about keeping up, more about contributing & learning what I could. Sometimes means going speedily w/flow; other times eddying out of stream w/1 participant to dig relatively deeper. #nt2t
The great thing about twitter chats is it flattens things out. It does not matter if you are a classroom aide, teacher, custodian or principal. Everyone is working to learn from one another...
#nt2t
A6 like anything else I share how it benefited me and my growth. I let colleagues take it or leave it.... But I also tell colleagues that Teachers run twitter!!!! #nt2t
Any last thought about "handling" Twitter? Or anything else?
Our older daughter is about to enter high school. I just brought her to her first cheerleading practice. I can't... "handle" how fast it all goes! #nt2t
It's fascinating to me how Twitter has developed into a #PLN, I assume unintentionally... @Twitter the company never seems to talk about that use of it. But man, am I grateful. For me it's changed the course of the last few years. #nt2t
Twitter's time-shifting ability is an asset, too, enabling us to look at streams on our own terms, making room for asynchronous perspectives from around the world as timezone constraints ease -- or we stay up too late/rise too early! #nt2t
I found I had to adjust my chatting mindset, too. Participation became less about keeping up, more about contributing & learning what I could. Sometimes means going speedily w/flow; other times eddying out of stream w/1 participant to dig relatively deeper. #nt2t
Funny: My vantage is how Twitter puts me in a *bigger* room of educators. An expanding world.
Despite echo-chamber claims & occasional experiences, I find platform usually connects me to wider range of perspectives/experiences. #nt2t
