Twitter

= Twitter =


 * Twitter ** is a microblogging service that enables its users to send and read messages called // tweets //. Tweets are posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the user's profile page. Although tweets are publicly visible by default, senders can choose to restrict their messages to just their followers. Users subscribe to other users' tweets – or // follow // them. Educators frequently use Twitter to share resources and ideas, creating a "personal learning network" of people who follow each other. Twitter is also used by teachers to communicate with students and their families.

Using Twitter, you can:
 * Share information quickly with students and families
 * Invite discussion
 * Follow other "tweeters" for resources and professional development

**Twitter in 60 Seconds**
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Getting Started
Set up a free account at @http://twitter.com/ Sue Waters offers advice and tips for new users. A Teacher's Guide to Twitter and a video tutorial, Twitter 102 10 Steps for Teachers New to Twitter 7 Step Quick Start Guide for New Tweeters

Examples of how educators are using Twittter
Steven Anderson's posts about why and how to Twitter He also created a comprehensive Educator's Guide to Twitter Blog post describes Twitter use in an elementary school, with rules and posters NC Historian uses Twitter to portray Civil War life Her Civilian Wartime blog tells the rest of the story for each tweet. Follow her at http://twitter.com/#!/CivilianWartime 5 Ways Twitter has Changed Education Twitter - A Teaching and Learning Tool How to take part in a Chat on Twitter - from Cybraryman Jane Hart's guide How to Use Twitter for Social Learning

Next, choose **one** of the following to complete and discuss on Assignment #1.

 * 1) ====Follow a few people or educational organizations for a week or two. On Assignment #1, provide the **link** and a description for two of the ones you are following and discuss what you have gained from following their tweets so far.====
 * 2) ====Create a Twitter account to share with your students/families. On Assignment #1, provide the **link** to your Twitter feed and discuss what you shared or did using your feed and the outcomes for your students/families.====