This week's assignment was difficult for me. I have never really been a huge fan of Twitter. It was not a social media format that I was interested in. I gravitated more toward Facebook and Instagram. This week's activities have definitely pushed my comfort level and made me branch out. I did not have a problem following others or reading tweets. Sending out my own tweets is what makes me nervous. I do not know why it is so nerve racking for me, but I feel very shy about tweeting. Maybe I am worried people will think what I am saying is stupid or irrelevant. I am not quite sure what it is.
But I took it step by step, and slowly started setting up my account. I was surprised at how easy it was to set up an account and get started. I am still not completely comfortable with all the lingo, but I am slowing learning. I had to watch a couple of other videos to help me better understand the in's and out's of Twitter and Tweetdeck. The Twitter video was awesome because it was created by a teacher, and she is explaining it in a way that was informational yet encouraging. She made a great comparison in her video when she said, "Facebook is for people you know, and Twitter is for people you wish you knew." When I sat back and really thought about it, her statement was very true. You can follow people from all different places, professions and walks of life. You can follow people who you wish were your friends and share in their knowledge. Maybe this is where my nerves kick in. Because these people aren't my close friends, I feel a certain vulnerability to judgement. None the less, the video's information and encouragement helped me begin my Twitter journey.
Once I finally set up my account, I started exploring Twitter and what it had to offer. It really is amazing to see how much information is on Twitter. You can find such great educational topics to follow, and the people have such a great wealth of knowledge. Once I was fully immersed in my Twitter space, I could clearly see why people enjoy Twitter. From this week's text, I remembered reading about the Laura Walkers "Nine Reasons to Twitter." Reading about the reasons was nothing compared to being able to see them in action. I could actually sense the virtual staffroom and see the professional reflecting and sound boarding happening that she wrote about. It really was a cool experience to see it first hand.
I am looking forward to becoming more comfortable with my Twitter account, and I might finally send out my first tweet tonight! I am still trying to build up the courage. I am also still exploring the Tweetdeck tool. I definitely think it helps organize and see the new tweets coming in. It is a great tool for a first time Twitter person.
Here is my Twitter Username for those that what to follow me. :)
My username is MrsConrad1019
https://twitter.com/MrsConrad1019
OMGOSH I could have written your blog myself. I am totally dreading Twitter! I don't know why either! I am not into Facebook or any other social media - so I am beginning to think I am a social outcast! Now, after looking at Twitter on my TweetDeck, I can see where it is neat to have so much information at my fingertips, BUT I just don't have the time or interest to sit and look at it! Not that I am not totally out of the loop of the real world. I mean I am still totally addicted to Pinterest - but I think I like it so much because it is so visual, while Twitter is mostly words (now I sound like my students!).
ReplyDeleteSo Jen, I hope you and I can get out of our non social attitude and find a place for ourselves on Twitter...good luck :)
I love the quote "Facebook is for people you know, and Twitter is for people you wish you knew", that is so true! I have been using Facebook and Twitter for quite some time now, probably since 2009ish. I have gone through phases where I will use Facebook more or Twitter more, but as I have grown into my adult life and into my profession I am seeing the benefits of Twitter more and more. I follow several education "celebrities" and I love reading the links that they share. As a teacher today I feel very fortunate to be able to connect with these amazing leaders in education on a daily basis. I don't have to pay $500 to attend a conference to hear their ideas, I just have to open the app on my phone. Overall, I think that Twitter is a very valuable tool that teachers should become very familiar with!
ReplyDeleteJen and Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI am in the same boat with you two. I am not thrilled about having to use Twitter and I am not a fan of social media. I definitely see all the benefits to using Twitter. But, it really does make me nervous. I’m just trying to keep an open mind about all this!
I can relate to feeling timid to tweet. It has a much different feeling than posting something to friends and family on Facebook. So far, I have retweeted a couple of times, and it was painless. Moving forward, before tweeting, I intend to turn on all of my filters. I'll ask myself "is this I would be comfortable sharing with colleagues, clients, students, and potential employers?" There's not the same level of responsibility on Facebook. I am feeling more confident that our tweets will most likely be met with friendliness and acceptance, but we will be prepared to defend tweets with constructive debate when necessary.
ReplyDelete