Twitter at its best: a 140-character reference
CPD is a multifaceted thing and so is Twitter. So are the two compatible in a 140-character limit? I wouldn’t say I use Twitter for CPD in the traditional sense. However, in terms of maintaining a PLN (personal learning network) it is very useful. I’m never sure who my “followers” are, but I can rest assured that if I tweet some information or raise an issue, it’s very useful.
As a physics teacher, I have access to an email network called Sputnik run by the Institute of Physics. Literally hundreds of physics teachers in Scotland are signed up to this. If I have a technical physics question, it’s my first port of call.
However, only physics teachers are allowed on the network. If I have a more general teaching question on, say, methodology or pedagogy, then Twitter is where it’s at as I will get a response from other (non-physicist) colleagues who include professional university pedagogues as well as other informed commentators. It’s fortunate that much of the misuse of social media can be controlled by blocking or muffling non-interested tweeters.
Owing to the 140-character limit, it can take a few tweets to get what you’re after, but you can perhaps follow up in more depth by email so it’s a good starting point. In this respect, the two systems I use are complementary to each other.
Nick Forwood
Head of the science faculty, Fortrose Academy
Short and tweet
Many thanks to the lovely ladies of Greggs on Smithycroft Road [in Glasgow] who sent up a big goodbye cake, sweets and a good-luck card to our S6 leavers.
@SmithycroftSec
#StrathPGDE guys - some essays claiming education was devolved in 1998. It’s always been independent, reserved in the 1707 Act of Union! Grr...
@raymondsoltysek
Loved being able to play with hula hoops and skipping ropes today while teaching PE outside. Felt like I was five years old again. #strathBA
@xLaurenCraigx
Good luck to everybody sitting exams, which start today with drama and economics. #scotquals
@EducationScot
Wishing the very best of luck to all our former pupils who will be starting their important exams shortly. Make us all proud!
@CarmylePS
Helping seniors with their #highermaths revision makes me very happy. Lots of light-bulb moments.
@martyn_call
The world’s second smartest man [Rick Rosner] has an IQ of 192 and has spent many years as a stripper, bar bouncer and nude model.
@UberFacts
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” Eleanor Roosevelt
@GreatestQuotes
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