1. RCS Professional Development Course
Twitter for Beginners
RCS Professional Development Course

2. Bell Work: Go to tinyurl.com/TwitterRCS
Watch the following video on using Twitter in the classroom:
Thinking about the 3 ways to use Twitter named in the video, list your priorities and/or goals for using Twitter.
Go to the RCS Policy on Employee Use of Social Media and the RCS use of Social Media for School Communication. Read through them and be prepared to discuss for clarification.

3. Our Objectives & Success Criteria
We will have a better understanding of how Twitter can be used to grow professionally
We will have a better understanding of the RCS policies on posting to a professional Twitter account
We will have a better understanding of how to utilize Twitter to share learning outside the classroom
SUCCESS CRITERIA:
I can create a professional Twitter account, including a professional profile
I can understand and apply general Twitter vocabulary such as, “tweet”, “hashtag”, “PLN”, “Follow/Unfollow”, etc.
I can compose tweets that reflect my goals for using Twitter
I can search for and follow another Twitter account
I can search for relevant chats using a hashtag

4. What you may already know about Twitter
Twitter: The Musical The Hashtag

5. Activity 1: Create an account
Go to Twitter.com and sign up!
Be sure to use your full professional name
Use your RCS address
Use a password NOT linked to your school , or any other web-based account—WRITE IT DOWN

6. Activity 2: Develop Your Profile
Once you have logged in to your account, it’s time to create your profile!
Keep it professional: remember that this account is for you—the Educator
Let your passions shine: your profile should highlight your humor, your passion, your heart!
Some Sample Educator Profiles:
@svdaugherty - Supporting educators through technology integration as they design the kind of engaging experiences they have always dreamed of creating--is there a better job?
@LeeAraoz - K-12 Coordinator of Instructional Technology, staff developer and speaker. Innovative teacher & perpetual learner. Igniting an enthusiasm for lifelong learning!
@HelwigsHeroes - This year marks my 16th year in teaching- 'To love what you do, and feel that it matters, how can anything be more fun.'..looking forward to the BEST year yet!!

7. Apps like TweetDeck and Hootsuite allow for easy following!
Twitter Chats
Twitter Chats allow folks to participate (or ‘lurk’) in a discussion on a particular topic. Most Chats happen on a regular schedule.
Apps like TweetDeck and Hootsuite allow for easy following!
13 Great Twitter Chats Every Educator Should Follow
Complete Calendar of EdChats on Twitter
@cybraryman ‘s Twitter Chat page

8. #ashtags
Think of hashtags as the “breakout sessions” inside a Conference—there’s something for everyone!

9. Activity 3: Find Folks to Follow
Reflect on your goals for using Twitter: PLN or Class/Student focus?
PLN: look for folks who tweet out resources, participate in #edchats, or are active in their school systems
Class/Student focus: Look for other classrooms around the world who are sharing out their learning
Pick 3-4 accounts to begin following. Then begin exploring who THEY follow—add to your list!

10. What Have You Done Today?
Wrapping Up
What Have You Done Today?
Next Steps
Created a Twitter Account
Learned basic Twitter-speak
Learned the professional uses for Twitter
Made a goal for using Twitter
Created a professional profile
Followed other professionals
Searched for a relevant edchat
Been followed
Continue to find folks to follow
Make an appointment with your tech coach to share your goals and help you create a plan to meet those goals
Share your Twitter handle with others
Complete the PD Evaluation Survey