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Using Twitter for Professional Development


Twitter is a tool that I've never really been interested in nor knew how to use properly. I created an account years ago when it became popular but I saw it as just posting statuses that I could do on Facebook so I didn't really get the point. I tried following hashtags and accounts I thought I'd be interested in, but I became too overwhelmed with my crowded feed. 

Learning that we'd be using Twitter for this class seemed like it would be frustrating for me but I decided to give it a go. I created a new Twitter account and did some research about how to use Twitter for professional development. When it comes to creating new professional opportunities, making connections is one of the most important steps to take. Social media is an excellent way to do this and I now understand how Twitter can play a role in professional development. Twitter allows you to connect with like-minded fellow professionals in your field and find solutions to problems. Often times, online contacts can become friends who can share relevant information as well. If you follow relevant Twitter handles, you can keep up with the online professional development opportunities that they organize such as webinars or conferences. Twitter seems to have a lot to offer in terms of professional development and I'm excited to give it a try again.

Comments

  1. JFoxxMay 13, 2020 at 10:32 AM

    Twitter is great for professional development and networking with other professionals in your field! I struggle with wanting to follow too much on Twitter and I find that I need to keep separate profiles. One for "fun"- I can follow politics, sports, hobbies and one for "work" I follow several education websites and school districts, other AP Psychology teachers, etc. My biggest complaint is having to keep two separate profiles is annoying but I cannot find a better way to make sure I have the updates I want on my feed, and make sure I am not tweeting anything political to other teachers or students lol!

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    Replies
    1. LeahMay 13, 2020 at 1:44 PM

      I have a couple different profiles for some other social media platforms and find it difficult to keep them straight as well. Luckily for me, I don't currently use Twitter personally so I'll be able to explore it solely from an educational standpoint to see its full potential.

      Delete
  2. CourtneyMay 14, 2020 at 1:23 PM

    Leah, you have provided a very insightful outlook on using Twitter as professional development. I agree that social media is a great way to create networks, as well as understand what is occurring within different industries. It has the ability to keep you in the "know". This can certainly help. I am excited to use this platform for this class in a professional manner, rather than using it for personal. I think it has it's value for professional development. Excellent post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LeahMay 18, 2020 at 7:40 AM

      Thank you! It will certainly be interesting to look at Twitter from a professional standpoint rather than tweeting out political posts and tweeting at celebrities.

      Delete

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