I'll admit, with all the social media platforms, it's hard to stay up-to-date, but make sure that you're not wasting your days away "living" online. In my opinion, as an educator, a good balance must be struck. Being a part of some kind of social media can greatly increase your classroom environment and engagement.
I joined Twitter in 2014, but I didn't really start taking full advantage of it until this year. I say that I'm taking advantage of it because it has added tremendously to my classroom this year. We are basically still in month two, and I've already had some killer things happen because of Twitter.
1. I've joined George Couros' Innovator's Mindset Massive Open Online Course. It's been a great tool to connect with other educators who are trying to be innovative. There's a Twitter hashtag and weekly postings by educators all around the world. We're asked to comment on each other's posts, and there's also a Facebook Group to connect. I've been able to connect with all kinds of educators and innovative thinkers because of this.
2. I've joined #2ndaryELA for their weekly Twitter Chats on Tuesday nights at 7pm central. (This group also has a FB group for secondary ELA teachers.) This group is AMAZING! We share files, send emails with resources, have each other's contact information, give/ask for advice, etc. I've gained so many tools and suggestions from being a part of this. If you're a secondary ELA teacher, I highly recommend it. It's my TOP resource right now. Go join. Now.
3. My class tweets have been liked, and comments have been made, by several important people! This has been tremendous for my classroom! When students see that what we're doing in class has effects in the real world, it's great! They feel validated and learning becomes even more meaningful.
Here are our favorite face-melting moments to far:
*The real Veruca Salt, Julie Dawn Cole, liked one of our Tweets when my class was studying Willy Wonka for our WGMS Film School. Yowza!
*We read, listened to, analyzed, and debated a song from the super-talented Josh Ritter. He answered our question and tweeted us back with some very kind remarks. Twice!
*We created some blackout poems last year. Austin Kleon liked and tweeted us back. Boom!
*We listened to and watched "Monsters in My Stomach," "Money," and "Dating Myself" by Def Jam Poet, Poetri, and get this...I talked to him on the phone!!! WHAT?!! You don't understand. He's a celebrity in my class. I mean, he really is a celebrity, but my students and I LOVE him. He was super nice and just what you'd expect. Are you kidding me?! On. the. phone.
I highly recommend that you start getting connected in a way that makes sense for you. Whether it's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, or Blogging...social media can really help you level up in the classroom.
Megan Gordon
7th Grade ELAR
*All pictures from twitter.com
I joined Twitter in 2014, but I didn't really start taking full advantage of it until this year. I say that I'm taking advantage of it because it has added tremendously to my classroom this year. We are basically still in month two, and I've already had some killer things happen because of Twitter.
1. I've joined George Couros' Innovator's Mindset Massive Open Online Course. It's been a great tool to connect with other educators who are trying to be innovative. There's a Twitter hashtag and weekly postings by educators all around the world. We're asked to comment on each other's posts, and there's also a Facebook Group to connect. I've been able to connect with all kinds of educators and innovative thinkers because of this.
2. I've joined #2ndaryELA for their weekly Twitter Chats on Tuesday nights at 7pm central. (This group also has a FB group for secondary ELA teachers.) This group is AMAZING! We share files, send emails with resources, have each other's contact information, give/ask for advice, etc. I've gained so many tools and suggestions from being a part of this. If you're a secondary ELA teacher, I highly recommend it. It's my TOP resource right now. Go join. Now.
3. My class tweets have been liked, and comments have been made, by several important people! This has been tremendous for my classroom! When students see that what we're doing in class has effects in the real world, it's great! They feel validated and learning becomes even more meaningful.
Here are our favorite face-melting moments to far:
*The real Veruca Salt, Julie Dawn Cole, liked one of our Tweets when my class was studying Willy Wonka for our WGMS Film School. Yowza!
*We read, listened to, analyzed, and debated a song from the super-talented Josh Ritter. He answered our question and tweeted us back with some very kind remarks. Twice!
*We created some blackout poems last year. Austin Kleon liked and tweeted us back. Boom!
*We listened to and watched "Monsters in My Stomach," "Money," and "Dating Myself" by Def Jam Poet, Poetri, and get this...I talked to him on the phone!!! WHAT?!! You don't understand. He's a celebrity in my class. I mean, he really is a celebrity, but my students and I LOVE him. He was super nice and just what you'd expect. Are you kidding me?! On. the. phone.
I highly recommend that you start getting connected in a way that makes sense for you. Whether it's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, or Blogging...social media can really help you level up in the classroom.
Megan Gordon
7th Grade ELAR
*All pictures from twitter.com
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