Last week @SSAT put out a call for opinions, contributions to ‘Should teachers tweet? Social media and education.’
With the help of Maureen Bowes (of People Intelligence) I had already started to organise my thoughts about Twitter in a post title ‘5th Gear – Twitter for School Leaders.’ With Maureen’s input it documents the process of introducing a colleague to Twitter, taking into account not only the process but the emotions on the learner. (Its not yet finished but accessible via a SkyDrive). In a two week trial, Maureen engaged with Twitter – considering the implications for coaching ‘leaders’ through this journey. One might suggestion that Twitter is an article in its own right. Twitter media exposure often puts it in the limelight, but there is so much more.
I had already invested time in this training / sharing experience, in the process, documenting my Tweets, @pplintelligence replies and DMs and felt that the scope of the @SSAT title was in fact very broad. Twitter alone offers a mini series.
Twitter – converting the unsure
Twitter etiquette – follow, followers, @replies, DMs, # hasttags
Mobile Twitter – Smart phones vs desktop clients
Twitter – avoiding overload
Twither 5th Gear – twtapps and more.
I shared my thoughts Robyn Evans (Head of Marketing and Stakeholder Relations) and enjoyed a very open and positive conversation. @SSAT Twitter may have started the conversation, but the phone call certainly added depth to the conversation. I applaud the @SSAT for publishing this request, to crowd sourcing opinion (even if it may not reach the un-connected teachers this way) and I am confident that this approach, the finished article, will in itself answer the original question, ‘Should teachers tweet? Social media and education.’ Part b of this post, will of course be my response.