How to write an education tweet that adds value and gets noticed
Since getting its start less than a decade ago, more than a billion users have signed up for Twitter, with an estimated 320 million of them currently active. While Katy Perry (@katyperry) may top the charts with the most followers (80 million and counting), the average number of Twitter followers for those of us who aren’t pop sensations is a more modest 208. Regardless of who the user may be or the number of followers one may have, each tweet is restricted to a simple 140 characters. What you do with them is up to you.
While some tweeters may elect to update the world when they brush their teeth, many choose to use Twitter as an effective communication tool; one that generates conversation, pushes thinking, and at times, brings about change. And every day, millions of education-related tweets are posted to the site.
So what makes a Tweet valuable and worth reading? Why do some tweets receive a large amount of attention while others are left to themselves with no interaction at all?
Twitter’s popularity among educators has continued to grow, but for a profession so strapped for time, where’s the most value found? Listed below are a variety of characteristics and examples of great tweets from December.
It should be noted that what may be a great tweet for one person, may be completely irrelevant for another. Great tweets are relevant, usable, and/or thought-provoking for the viewer, thus it’s imperative for educators to connect with others with similar passions and interests. It’s important to point out, however, that it’s easy for an echo chamber to develop if one simply connects with like-minded individuals; therefore educators are encouraged to connect with a diverse audience to push their thinking and maximize effectiveness. If we are going to be better for our kids tomorrow, we need to find ways to become better today.
Great tweets create awareness
Rich Children and Poor Ones Are Raised Very Differently https://t.co/IgYLTbSpll via @clairecm #edchat #digiverse
— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙯 💡 (@ShellTerrell) December 18, 2015
Inequity isn't just about access to academics, but the actual pedagogy, which is largely a function of the adults and the systems within.
— Jose Vilson (@TheJoseVilson) December 30, 2015
Great tweets are encouraging and inspirational
“Don’t carry your mistakes around with you. Instead, place them under your feet and use them as stepping stones to rise above them.” Unknown
— Jimmy Casas (@casas_jimmy) December 31, 2015
Opinions are a dime a dozen. Showing people how you have actually implemented these opinions is what most people want.
— Eric Sheninger (@E_Sheninger) December 15, 2015
Next page: Tweets that change the way you think
Great tweets push one’s thinking
The beauty of community is not that we agree 100% but that we agree to hear each other's perspectives with great respect
— Rafranz ⁷ (@rafranzdavis) December 29, 2015
Tamir was your student and my student. NYTimes: Cleveland Officer Will Not Face Charges in Tamir Rice Shooting Death https://t.co/OO5qECpVjY
— Chris Lehmann (@chrislehmann) December 28, 2015
Is it time to stop averaging grades? https://t.co/SdFIGccz6f #edchat #education image via @tguskey pic.twitter.com/traHrEkCvM
— Justin Tarte (@justintarte) December 31, 2015
Iowa's graduation rate? 1st in nation. Iowa's Black:White incarceration disparity? Also 1st in nation. https://t.co/ffRo4420ER #iaedfuture
— Scott McLeod (@mcleod) December 22, 2015
Great tweets bring relevant information to your fingertips
A special #EduColor newsletter coming to your inboxes in two hours. If you haven’t signed up already, please do at https://t.co/QQTCaJLJma!
— EduColor Movement (@EduColorMVMT) December 31, 2015
Exciting #FutureReady Schools News Announced at @WhiteHouse Event #NETP16 #edtech https://t.co/T5IQNoUJoC
— Future Ready (@FutureReady) December 11, 2015
Great tweets utilize relevant hashtags to connect with specific groups.
Forget Everything You Know About The Classroom: 2015 In Education #edchat #suptchat #fallcreekpd https://t.co/6yI6r4ep2W
— Joe Sanfelippo (@Joe_Sanfelippo) December 22, 2015
For a comprehensive list of educational hashtags, check out this resource by November Learning.
Great tweets highlight dynamic resources
OER in the Makerspace https://t.co/IKuv1gGZMX #edchat #edtechchat #tlchat #njed #makerspaces #makered pic.twitter.com/hlBejPb2G8
— Laura Fleming (@LFlemingEDU) December 27, 2015
My latest post: on solutions-based thinking & why education needs it https://t.co/HCdfpkeTpx #edchat
— Rusul (@RusulAlrubail) December 29, 2015
Great tweets encourage conversation
Q4: What is your goal for your own professional development this year? #edtechchat
— Alex Podchaski (@ajpodchaski) December 29, 2015
https://twitter.com/MrChase/status/676575175085723648
For a comprehensive list of educational Twitter chats, check out the EduChat Calendar.
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