I can’t live without ... Twitter

Three ICT fans reveal how the social media phenomenon sweeping the world – Twitter – could transform your teaching
7th January 2011, 12:00am

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I can’t live without ... Twitter

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/i-cant-live-without-twitter

@chickensaltash - Dan Roberts

I’m deputy headteacher at sYesaltash.net

Community School

@chickensaltash Dan Roberts

I love developing the innovative use of new technologies to enhance learning in all classrooms

@chickensaltash Dan Roberts

and to inspire students and teachers to take risks and be creative with ICT

@chickensaltash Dan Roberts

I can’t live without Twitter! I believe it is one of the most powerful ICT tools in education at the moment

@chickensaltash Dan Roberts

What other form of ICT can open a classroom up to the rest of the world in just 140 characters,

@chickensaltash Dan Roberts

empower teachers to become digital magpies where they can talk with other teachers in classrooms all over the world,

@chickensaltash Dan Roberts

and share their excellent practice and then take this back into their classroom?

@chickensaltash Dan Roberts

It is a modern-day, educational Samaritan service - teachers are no longer isolated, they can tweet questions, concerns, grumbles

@chickensaltash Dan Roberts

and within a matter of minutes have several supportive comments from other teachers in their position who help solve their problems

@chickensaltash Dan Roberts

It is perhaps the best value for money CPD for teachers as you can get inspirational ideas, resources, tips and advice

@chickensaltash Dan Roberts

and you don’t have to travel long distances or buy in supply to cover your lessons!

@olliebray Ollie Bray

I’m a national adviser for emerging technologies for Learning and Teaching Scotland

@olliebray Ollie Bray

An award-winning teacher for the use of ICT in teaching and learning, former school ICT co-ordinator

@olliebray Ollie Bray

I can’t live without my personal learning network, which includes Twitter

@olliebray Ollie Bray

You can spend thousands of pounds on software, give a computer to every child and develop an award-winning website

@olliebray Ollie Bray

BUT, unless you have teachers driving pedagogy and leading transformational change in your classrooms you’re unlikely to get long-term impact

@olliebray Ollie Bray

Through my personal learning network, which also includes Google Reader and online professional learning communities for teachers, such as

@olliebray Ollie Bray

the Microsoft Innovative Teachers Forum and Apple’s Distinguished Educator Programme, I can collaborate with educators from around the world

@olliebray Ollie Bray

We swap ideas, share practice, talk about successes, describe how we could improve and encourage each other to take risks

@olliebray Ollie Bray

I aggregate feeds of information and shared knowledge onto whichever device I am using, whether that is my phone (HTC), my laptop (Windows 7) or my iPad

@olliebray Ollie Bray

Mobile anytime accessibility helps me be nomadic in my own learning and I graze on information, growing as a practitioner

@olliebray Ollie Bray

What’s my point? Technology is great, but it is what you do with it that counts!

@olliebray Ollie Bray

There are some people doing some amazing things. Why don’t you join the conversation?

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

I’m a VITAL ICT CPD leader for NE England

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

I’m a consultant who taught in primary, middle and secondary schools, focusing on ICT

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

Currently, I support teachers as part of the Open University VITAL project, as the ICT CPD regional manager for NE England

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

I have a passion for innovative technologies, including the use of video games for learning and digital storytelling

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

Always keen to try new ideas, my catchphrase is, ‘What could possibly go wrong?’ And I can’t live without Twitter

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

In the last year, Twitter has become more important as a networking and CPD tool. I’m aware it works for some and not for others

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

It provides access to a large network of excellent educators, who are always keen and ready to help, no matter the problem

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

Late one Sunday, I was having trouble with a web tool the night before I needed it for a school session. In 30 mins, six people responded to my plea for help

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

Each response was informed and relevant - if only all support could be so good and delivered just when you need it!

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

I’ve found people very approachable. Several speakers have been contacted, enthused and taken part in our events, all through Twitter

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

Finally, some people may think Twitter is all about ‘what I’m having for lunch’. I believe an element of personality needs to shine through

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

rather than being serious all the time. I hope I’ve contributed to others’ learning networks,

@stevebunce Steve Bunce

as my network has given me the rich rewards of friendship, support and inspirational ideas!

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