I was talking to a teacher the other day and a student walked by and thanked me for the help on their college essay last night and said they would tweet me later. The other teacher looked at me funny. I explained that I follow and exchange tweets with my students. They were skeptical.
I love tweeting with my students. Most of the time it is school related, but sometimes I chime in on their random thoughts. It's a way to connect with students in an open environment. It's meeting students where they are and giving them access to me outside traditional means. I have my school account, @MrProvenzano, and that is what I use to communicate with students, parents and other district admins. This connection has had a positive impact on my teaching relationship with my students.
Do you tweet your students? What have you noticed since you started?
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Until I starting seeing their twitterfeeds, I had no idea how important my class was to letting them take a break from the social and emotional roller coaster that is their lives.
ReplyDeleteAnd sometimes, I help with school too.
I tried Twitter with my students, a class account, but it didn't take off. It's probably because of Facebook. Not only do students at my school love Facebook but many students and families friend a bunch of teachers and our Principal.
ReplyDeleteI have over a hundred students as Facebook friends. Our district is small and siblings and parents friend us too. Many students ask questions, submit assignments, or share ideas with me through Facebook. I also get to share things and I get a glimpse into their world. Plus they know their teachers and parents are there so it must be safe and reassuring.
It's been very positive.
Hi Nick,
ReplyDeleteI do tweet my students. I mentioned some of the results in my presentation at #ecoo11 (which I've put on mzmollyTLsharespace.pbworks.com as well). I see lots of benefits. I'm aware of what's going on in their lives in ways that impact the class atmosphere. I've been able to teach them about online privacy in a much more meaningful way ("Miss, how did you know about ... oh riiiiiight, Twitter!") They get help and I get help quickly. For example, I needed to know the names of the student council members for a late form - I sent out a tweet and a few minutes later, I had my answer.