Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/726969
Create a rock star Twitter bio with a photo A Twitter user takes a few seconds to decide whether or not to follow someone. Grow your followers and meet users with similar interests with a bio that says who you are, what you're interested in, what you do, and something quirky and fun about you. Think of your Twitter bio as your "elevator pitch." Follow interesting people and organizations Unlike Facebook, where you usually know the person you're "friending," you don't have to know someone to follow them on Twitter. By following other educators and organiza- tions you're passionate about, you send a message to others about your interests. If you like a particular tweet, reply or retweet to start building relationships. Par ticipate in a Twitter chat Twitter chats are online conversations, usually moderated by one or two users, centered around a hashtag at a particular time and date. The moderator often poses questions, such as "How do you use social media in the class- room?" and users tweet their answers using a designated hashtag like #SMedu (shorthand for topics related to social media in educa- tion). Other popular education Twitter chats: #CAEdChat #EdChat #EdFutures #NTchat. Use Twitter at conferences Twitter is the ideal tool for meeting new people and documenting your experience at profes- sional conferences. Most conferences and events have a hashtag, usually located on the conference program or on signs throughout the space. At CTA's recent Summer Institute, attendees used #CTASI16 to tweet photos and tidbits of information, and followed one another. Many people are tweet-friends first before meeting in person. Build your own personal brand Twitter is an opportunity to share your exper- tise and experience. You can share tips, lesson plans, causes you care about, graphics, and more. If you are active on Twitter and create quality content, you're likely to see your fol- lower count grow. Check out cta.org/social for additional resources. Recent activity on the #EdChat hashtag. Ways Twitter Can Help Build Your PLN By @samdemuro T W I T T E R I S A N E X C E L L E N T T O O L for educators, whether you use it in the classroom, to participate in a national conversation, or to develop your personal learning network (PLN). Experts say that increasing your "Twitteracy" (Twitter literacy) is vital to connect with students in the 21st century. Regarding your PLN, Twitter creates opportunities to connect with fellow educators (across the world!), exchange resources, ask questions, see examples, get lesson ideas, and learn about professional development opportunities. Educators are some of the best tweeters out there, so if you're not on Twitter already, join the 320 million users and see what you've been missing. A few tips: 5 44 cta.org teaching & learning tech tips