#Twitter? #Important2me?

#edchat, #blendchat, #flipclass, #BYOD, why do should I know what these hashtags mean? Why should I follow them? 

Because as it turns out, they are a powerful medium teachers can use in their classrooms and to grow professionally. These days, it's all about being a connected educator. 

What is Twitter?

According to their website, “Twitter is an information network made up of 140-character messages called tweets.” In other words, Twitter offers the opportunity to post short messages, visible to all your followers and/or the entire World Wide Web. 

Why Should I Create a Twitter Account for My Classroom?

• It is a convenient technology tool that allows you to connect with your students and their parents

• Tweets are short, thus saving you time

• It is very simple to set up a Twitter account. You do not need to navigate complex page arrangements with endless color options and layouts. To create your account, it only takes about five minutes.

• Twitter is easily connected to every computer, tablet, or smart phone. For example, on a phone, all you need to do is click on the app in order to type your Tweet. On a computer, simply sign into your account on Twitter’s website. 

• Rapid notifications are convenient for you and your followers. Parents, for example, can be instantly alerted when you post a homework update. You are able to quickly see student responses if you are using Twitter to ask a question in your classroom.

What is a Twitter Handle?

A Twitter handle is the name by which you post messages (tweets). When a tweet is posted, it lists the Twitter handle that posted it. Consider it your Twitter nickname or Twitter username.

What is a Hashtag?

When you want to label or categorize your tweet, all you need to do is place a hash (also known as the pound sign) in front of the label, without using any spaces. Combining the hash and label, you create a hashtag. This allows anyone who has access to your tweets to find your tweet by searching Twitter for that particular label.

How Do I Regulate Who Can See My Posts?

If you want to only allow your followers to view your tweets, there is an option under settings that says “protect my tweets”. By clicking that, only your followers can see your tweets, reply to your tweets, or retweet (resend) your tweets.

Who Are My Followers?

Followers are those who have subscribed to your tweets. If you choose to protect your tweets, those who want to follow you must send a request that must be approved by you. This approval can be done under your profile.

This article is meant to give you some foundational knowledge about Twitter. In the next article, we will look at how to set up a Twitter account.