Monday, March 3, 2014

My Problems with Twitter

That's right, I said it... there are some potential problems with Twitter. Some huge problems that could impact the benefit of this socially connected network that brings educators from across the globe together. Regardless of gender, race, class or geographical location, Twitter allows like-minded (or completely not like-minded) individuals to connect, collaborate, curate, engage, deliberate, discuss and learn for free... 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Need a link to an article, video or blog post? Hit up your PLN (Personal/Professional Learning Network)! Need an idea for how to invigorate a staff meeting? Tweet out the question to your PLN! Want to introduce an app into your 1:1 school to support reading instruction? Type the question in 140 characters or less and your PLN will be there to help!

Yes, the potential power of Twitter is only beginning to be understood by many in the world of education. But, as we know, with anything good thing comes some potential issues, challenges and drawbacks and this is true of Twitter. There are some problems with Twitter, at least from my perspective and I need to put them out there for myself... so I can be aware of them as I continue my journey as a connected educator. What are these problems you ask? Well, here are the ones that I see...

1) We are susceptible to groupthink! That's right - I said it! Groupthink could totally rear its ugly head and I feel like I have seen it happen already. My take on groupthink is when within a group (usually like minded people) the desire for conformity and acceptance impact the decisions that are made by those within the group. Instead of critically evaluating and deliberating the ideas and points of view of others, we just accept others' ideas as our own to fit in or gain followers or be accepted or whatever! Should we be able to agree with those who think like us? YES... but let's not miss the opportunity to reframe a problem/issue/challenge and consider it from a different lens. For example, what if we didn't view the Common Core State Standards as the death of public education? What if we viewed them as an opportunity? Not saying that I feel one way or the other about CCSS but what I know is that it's one of those topics where we allow ourselves to feel victimized and jump on the bandwagon instead of flipping the table and taking a different stance. 

2) That brings me to my other concern... there are too many people potentially taking the position of "victim" on Twitter. Is the current landscape of public education concerning? Yes! Are there lots of things happening in our schools that are not in the best interest of children? Yes! Does the push for high stakes testing, privatization of public education and accountability stink? Yes! But, why focus on all that when you are in this socially connected network of people where you have access to incredible amounts of expertise and experience (Where else can you chat with Todd Whitaker, Daniel Pink and even the Pope??) that can help you reframe challenges and see them as opportunities for growth and learning. I am not saying we shouldn't complain about all that is wrong but let's not get mired in that when we have the chance to collaborate with other passionate and motivated educators. Like I used to say to my kids, "Don't perpetuate the problem... offer a solution!"

3) Let's not just use Twitter as a soapbox or a space to regurgitate quotes and cliches... NO! Let's use this platform as a think tank... as a space to nurture and cultivate solutions... as a place to exchange ideas, resources and perspectives that will help us be better in our own contexts! Yes, we all know that there are inequities in our schools; systemic issues that our plaguing our learning institutions; and gaps in the quality of education our children are receiving across this country but instead of commenting on these issues, let's use the collective power and knowledge in this space to make things better! Let's push initiatives like Genius Hour, Differentiated PD for educators and MakerSpaces... and the 100's of other ideas and approaches that can make learning more meaningful and engaging for our kids! 

4) Twitter is not about the number of followers you have (although the more you have, the greater your reach and access to resources and perspectives) but instead Twitter is about the human connections you establish. The connections that lead to an exchange of ideas; the connections that lead to deliberations from different points of view that help us broaden our lens; the connections that give us a boost or a push when we need it most; the connections that inspire us and ground us at the same time. Twitter is about the people we get to know, respect and value... much like what happens in a well-functioning classroom or school.   

5) We need to stop pushing Twitter on the disconnected educators because I don't think that is the right approach! When I used to talk about Twitter, I think people wondered how much of the Kool-Aid I had ingested and whether or not my tweeps and I were all in a cult! Well, what I started to realize is that the Twitter experience is a journey... it is not an experience that can simply be replicated for those who have yet to be connected. It looks different for every person and we have to respect that for some people, "lurking" (and never actually tweeting) is as far as they will get and that is ok. Twitter is about learning. Twitter is about getting access to some of the most amazing resources available to educators. Twitter is a personal journey whose trajectory is dictated by the individual... not the platform!

Ok... so there you have it... these are the problems with Twitter that I have identified during my two year journey. What do you think? Am I wrong? Have I missed any? Am I totally on point? Please help me see a different perspective... help me learn and grow... please push my thinking! 

43 comments:

  1. You are definitely on point, by my perspective at least. Twitter has been transformative to me as an educator. I don't believe I knew how to collaborate effectively, until I began to network with people from around the globe. And, as you say...when you try to explain that kind of power to those who have not experienced it, you can draw some incredulous looks and even a shake of the head.

    There are specific people I can reach out to for specific needs, or I can shout to the Twitterverse for help when I'm completely at a loss. I can always find like-minded people to push me further or question my actions or beliefs, in a collegial manner.

    There are times, especially with a larger network, that the tone shifts and you feel yourself getting pulled into the politics. I know, I frequently slide into lurker mode when that happens. Not that my opinions don't matter or that I'm not as well-versed on the issues, but that is not where I communicate on those topics. I do listen, however. I even gather information to support my discussions locally on those same topics ;)

    I use Twitter to share, connect, and laugh. People will find it, when they're ready... Even if it starts with following Ellen and Jimmy Fallon (who I follow)... and THEN they find Todd Whitaker, Daniel Pink and the Pope ;)

    The biggest problem I have ever had with Twitter is the fact that it is a 24/7 platform for collaborate, on-going, and self-selected professional development. Mix that with the fact that I'm a self-diagnosed insomniac... Seriously, a problem!

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    1. Crista,
      Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the whole Twitter experience. I know what you mean about the 24/7 platform being really enticing to those of us who have trouble sleeping... or are impacted by ADHD like me! LOL! With that being said, I totally agree - Twitter has changed my professional world because it has given me access to people and resources that have changed me as an educator. There is a lot of potential within the Twitterverse!
      Tony

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  2. Wow, Tony! You hit the nail on the head. I completely agree with the Groupthink concern...even myself, when I disagree on twitter, I choose not comment. While I won't just simply agree am I helping my PLN by saying nothing? Thanks for making me think!

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    1. Thank you for the comment Jenny! I think we are all guilty of groupthink at some point or another and that isn't necessarily a bad thing depending on the situation. Keep doing the great work you're doing my friend!
      Tony

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  3. Nice post, Tony. I agree with your post, and I think that using blogging + Twitter is the way to dig deeper into issues that go beyond the 140-character micro-blog. #5 needs to be shouted from the rooftops. Pushing Twitter on non-tweeps like taking a person who doesn't know how to swim and saying to them, "Just jump in the deep in of the pool! You'll figure it out!" Instead, we need to invite them to wade in, to feel and experience the water, then teach them how to swim in the shallow end. Also, we don't always (if ever) get in the water because we love to swim... it's because we enjoy the water.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer,
      Thank you for the comment and perspective! I love the analogy of getting people on Twitter and throwing someone into the deep end of the pool - great point! I also agree with the idea that blogging takes the experience to the next level and that has definitely happened for me over the last two years. Blogging has given me voice and I am so grateful for that because if it weren't for my PLN, it never would have happened!
      Tony

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  4. Tony,
    Your five points are spot on and I agree that # 5 is a huge problem. Telling people that they should be on Twitter doesn't work. Showing/modeling how and why it is helpful results in "creating that need" which takes time. Hearing the news talk about "breaking Twitter" could cause reluctant "Twitter newbies" to lurk a bit longer.
    I worry about a possible # 6. The folks that believe Twitter has all the answers to replace solid professional development that needs to be used to develop new skills and/or strengthen understanding. That does NOT always happen in 140 characters. I "may" do that in my own study and collaborative inquiry with my PLN but that does not cover all the aspects that I may need to learn. Quotable 140 character "isms" often are gone with the wind or the snow as this winter has shown! Beware of "quick fixes!"

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    1. Fran,
      Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective. I think you bring up a great point about quick fixes and the idea that we need diversified professional development experiences. With that being said, some of the best PD I have received over the last two years has come because of the connections I have established on Twitter!
      Tony

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  5. Yes, yes, yes...especially #2! (A problem on many social media sites, actually!) I'm beyond "lurking", but have not fully grasped all Twitter has to offer. I'm a Tweeter-in-Progress!

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    1. Dawn,
      LOVE it! I think we are all "Tweeters-in-Progress" on some level! LOVE that term!
      Tony

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  6. Tony,
    Thanks for your other viewpoint on potential problems with Twitter. It is always refreshing to look at a topic or issue with a different lens, especially when we are in the company of like-minded individuals. The thought I lifted from your writing that resonated with me is "reframe challenges and see them as opportunities for growth and learning." How often do we pause to reflect & reframe challenges with a growth mindset? It is with clarity and a reflective stance that we, along with our PLN, can push our thinking to grow as a collective body of practitioners. Thanks for allowing me to time to pause and think this through.

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    1. Carol,
      Thank you for the comment and for taking the time to reflect. I love the connection you made to the idea of a growth mindset because that was definitely something I was thinking about as I was writing that post. My Twitter journey has helped me see the opportunities for growth and learning where I never saw them before!
      Tony

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  7. I think the biggest problem with the educator's use of Twitter are those who choose to only share education thoughts. 140 characters can be a very inhuman way to share our thoughts. Without sharing our humanity we come off as robots pushing links and nobody got time for that. :)

    I think we need to push people to share their human-ness. We need them to talk about their struggles and their successes. We need them to tell a joke or even live tweet a movie. We need them to be more than an educator, we need them to be human.

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    1. Agreed! I'm all about professional discourse, and that is my primary use of Twitter, but I want to know what interests and passions you have outside of education. They are of course, what makes you unique. :)

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    2. AMEN! We do need to maintain our humanity because this journey is about sharing everything from #foodchat to #dadchat to the struggles and successes we are experiencing in our schools. GREAT POINT!
      Tony

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  8. Very well done Tony. I have also been thinking about this as well, and I completely agree with Will. We need to remember to keep/make this space about human connection. Many of us came here to learn and grow. We should stay on that track rather than getting trapped in the pursuit of looking for EduFame and a place for our soapbox. On a side note, our students are doing their first video update to families this week. Thanks for the inspiration my friend. Please continue to add vault to your #PLN

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    1. Ken,
      Thank you for taking the time to comment - I really appreciate it! I love the term "EduFame" because I think there may be some of that going on where Twitter becomes a platform. In the end, I guess there isn't anything wrong with that - it's just not the reason I access this network of people! Meanwhile, please share a link to your first video update - I cannot wait to check it! AWESOME! #StuVoice
      Tony

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  9. Ironic that everyone is agreeing with you and your first point was against "groupthink". So here I am pushing you back.

    There are a lot of people that come on here and need to feel that they are part of that "groupthink", as you refer to it, because they are the outcast in their own school. Maybe they want some validation in what they are doing when they are not getting it in their own community. I think it is valuable for people to push back on ideas, but I have a very supportive organization that is doing some great things. Not all people are as blessed.

    I agree with point 5 and wrote about it but if you think of the rest of your post, it is giving some leading ways on how people should/shouldn't use Twitter. If it is really about the experience, won't other people's experiences be different and they need different things? Maybe the title should not be "The Problems With Twitter", but instead, "My Problems with Twitter". Each person is using it their own unique way which is part of the value of developing the network in the first place. You also have the opportunity to follow or unfollow anyone that you believe doesn't add to your experience.

    As William states, I love seeing people share things about themselves that go beyond the classroom. It helps me to get to know people. That being said, everyone is in a different situation and I always say that I cannot give you a line of what you share, only to ensure that you could say it in front of students in the classroom so you are not inappropriate. Everyone is going through something different and I think shares what they are comfortable with. It is not up to me to decide what you should and should not share, but only to give suggestions.

    Does the "P" in PLN stand for "Personal" or "Professional". To me, it is "Personal" hence the reason that people are able to use Twitter in any way they like.

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    1. George,
      Thank you so much for taking the time to reflect and push me to look at things from a different perspective. First off, I have changed the title of my post to "My Problems..." because they are exactly that - they are my take; my issues; my concerns; my potential problems, which in the end, as you pointed out, I control. I also see that many of us, including myself, join this socially connected network because we don't necessarily "fit in" within our context and this gives us access to amazing educators who are often looking to learn and grow and share and collaborate. Does that speak to groupthink on some levels? Yes... maybe... but my concern with groupthink is that we miss an opportunity to take action because we don't to disagree and I think I have been guilty of that in the past!
      Thanks again for pushing me to think - I really appreciate it!
      Tony

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  10. I appreciate your perspective and find myself on both sides of the equation. I appreciate what Mr. Couros has shared and would have to agree with some of his points as well. I too believe it is personal, with each person’s path individually selected. For many it is professional.

    Over the past year I have joked with my family, especially my two 13 year old middle school students, about their Instagram accounts and numbers of "likes" they would get from their posts. Quick witted, and perceptive at that, they would fire right back at me with my obsession with Twitter and blogging and remind me of my own hours spent at my computer. Little did I know that two of my "greatest fans" had been following me and were keeping tabs on my “likes”.

    The part of your post that also resonated with me was how we use Twitter for our own professional growth, or should I say personal, and also how we make it a part of our own learning. "Twitter is about the people we get to know, respect and value... much like what happens in a well-functioning classroom or school." This specifically will be my take-away.

    The other takeaway was the comment made about "connecting the disconnected". This entire year I have been working to get my staff to join, in mass. Instead, I need to focus on the ones that are willing. The reality is I drank the Kool-aid and have enjoyed every sip. As for others, I can place the pitcher in front of them. I can describe how it tastes, show it's potential and even give my reaction to how refreshing it is.

    The reality is, they have to pick up the glass on their own to know it’s true potential, it’s taste and it’s purpose.

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    1. Craig,
      Thank you for taking the time to comment on this post - I really appreciate it! I love the visual of putting the pitcher of Kool-Aid in front of people and describing the taste to them but then leaving the choice to drink or not up to them - BRILLIANT! Thank you for sharing!
      Tony

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  11. Tony
    You seem to have attracted a storm of comments on this. My view is that Twitter by itself does not make an educator connected. There is more to being connected than just Twitter. It requires a balance. Certainly, Twitter is the easiest and fastest way to get information out, but we need to do more than just pump stuff out. Twitter is the backbone of my PLN, but that is balanced out with reading and writing blogs. Blogging allows for the deep dive, much like what you have done here. The comments of some are testing your assertions, while others are in agreement. The point is that the topic is being explored, analyzed, expanded. and made better collectively. Additionally, this very subject will be a topic of chats, another form of connectedness where it will again come under scrutiny. The diversity of thought in the connected educator community should always challenge ideas, but some things don't need as much challenge. I think we all agree that standards may not be a bad thing on their own, but how they are assessed and what is done with those assessments is a point of contention amongst most educators. My concern is not the discussions going on between connected educators, but rather the discussions that are not taking place amongst the non-connected educators.
    Thanks for the opportunity.

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    1. AMEN Tom! I could not agree with you more about the discussions that are NOT taking place amongst non-connected educators. These people seem to outnumber those of us who are connected and these people are often in the position to make "decisions" and are missing out on the opportunity to discuss and deliberate before a decision is made, which can easily happen when engaging with the PLN! Thank you for the perspective my friend!
      Tony

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  12. Great post Tony! I get your point about initiating the unconnected. I think we have to push the value before we push the tool. I get excited by new technology but it's hard to find the right balance of not overwhelming people with my own passion. Personally, something I find both refreshing but almost funny about educational Twitterchats is the overwhelmingly positive nature of the interactions that take place. Contrast this with the "snarkiness" of the twitter back channel for the Academy Awards the other night and many other public venues, sport too. I'm so proud to be part of the community that keeps it positive . As a middle school principal I am very tuned into the potential nastiness of these electronic communities. Yet, our community of connected educators, remains encouraging, hopeful, helpful and overwhelmingly positive. So... that's something!

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    1. Don,
      Thank you for taking the time to comment my friend - I really appreciate it! It is such an honor to work besides you each day because of your enthusiasm, positive energy and willingness to learn, grown and try something new! Thank you for being such an amazing role model for those around you!
      Tony

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  13. Thanks for sharing your experience with twitter with us Tony! For me personally, it is all about the relationships. It is about the joy I feel in connecting with others, learning with others, and giving back to a community that I value and want to serve. Ultimately, I get to choose what I want to read, to whom I want to respond and whether or not I want to reflect on what I have read or heard. In other words, it is left to each of us to determine what we get from being a connected educator, regardless of the medium. Who am I to judge? It is always my choice what I choose to do with the info. or who I want to follow. Thank you Tony for opening up the discussion. - jimmy

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    1. Jimmy,
      Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts my brother - they are much appreciated! I think your point about the choice being ours is an important one - our Twitter journey/experience is whatever we make of it and that is critical to always remember! Thank you for sharing your joy with your PLN - I am a better educator and person because of you!
      Tony

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  14. My two cents:

    I think the post should be titled, "The Problem with Us." Putting the tool in there as the scapegoat lifts us of any responsibility or accountability.

    Groupthink is OUR problem, not Twitter's. If you don't purposefully seek out those with whom you have little in common, you're susceptible to groupthink. If you don't purposefully seek out those who think differently, who look different, who act different... THAT is the problem.

    I like a lot of what you're saying here, but I have to push back whenever the tool becomes the scapegoat. I AM going to use Twitter to be a soapbox when I see something that I think is wrong. I open myself up to take criticism and a few virtual punches that way, but I also stand for the things that I think (I hope) are important.

    If people are using Twitter to simply promote themselves, again, that's not a Twitter problem. That's an ego problem. I can just as easily stop following, unless leaving those people in my feed are a reminder to me of what I don't want to do. :-)

    I'm 7 years into using this tool, and I've seen a lot of changes in how some people are using it, and not so much in others. It is what it is. How *I* use it is the important part for me.

    Thanks for putting yourself out there... and I'm really glad we got to meet in Philly. Love having a face AND a voice behind what I see daily in 140 characters. Plus you sang karaoke with me, so we got that going for us.

    @michellek107

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    1. Michelle,
      Thank you for taking the time to share your perspectives - they really resonated with me! I think the idea that this is not about the platform but instead the people is a really valid point! I have discussed scapegoating a lot during my doctoral studies and you might be on to something here with me scapegoating Twitter... maybe the problem is just with me... not even us... hmmmm... something to consider!
      Meanwhile, I cannot wait to hang with you again at a conference and throw down some karaoke - although your skills far surpass mine! LOL!
      Tony

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  15. Interesting read and I am happy I came across this. Thought provoking!

    To be blunt, Twitter has been a blessing. Without Twitter, I would be more frustrated with my education realm, but seeing what takes place outside school walls and what other districts and students are capable of, has been a game changer.

    The pln I have connected with and cultivated on Twitter has expanded my knowledge and understanding leaps and bounds above traditional means. I still go to traditional PD, but this is a fire hose of awesomeness, 24-hours a day! PD is there for the taking when I need it and with the proper selection of top-notch educators I follow, I learn a great deal to bring back to my school.

    The 24x7 PD can effect me tonight and tomorrow at school, not waiting until the in-school PD to get semi-motivated, months down the line. I am pushed and driven by what is shared on a daily basis and I love it.

    In my situation, "group think" would be not connecting on twitter and instead being happy with an occasional bone thrown my way for in-house professional development and playing status-quo.

    For #5, I am guilty of pushing uninterested staff to twitter and I do like the change in approach, which I have been moving towards after modest results. Rather than saying, "GET A TWITTER ACCOUNT, NOW!", I am sharing links and ideas and name dropping that they were found, discussed and refined on twitter. To be honest, neither is working well for me at the moment, but I do see the benefit in not pushing. :o)

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    1. Luke,
      Thank you for taking the time to share a comment -it is greatly appreciated! Honestly, on some levels, I could not agree more - Twitter has been a blessing because it has provided me an outlet to connect with other educators who have helped stretch my thinking. Great point!
      Tony

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  16. Reading so many thoughtful comments shows you've hit upon a topic that really resonates with people! Twitter means so many things to different people, but one thing is for sure-it gets one thinking and reflecting. Something that has always caused me discomfort in any network (f2f or online) is taking more than giving. This is one problem that comes up in conversations often and could be viewed as potential off-putting downside to Twitter. Its great to be able to "ask your PLN" a question, but truly magical to be able to provide an answer to someone who really needs it.

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  17. I don't know if I agree. I think I'll have to ask the Twitter.

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  18. Interesting Tony. The firestorm of comments got my attention as well. My issue with Twitter isn't necessarily the same as yours, but I see your points. I will say I have an annoyance with point #2...I'm not a fan of people playing the victim.

    My issue with Twitter is minor...I sometimes wonder if people are connecting for the right reasons. I quickly check myself and try to simply take care of me. I feel fortunate that I have connected with several people. I do believe the Pro's vastly outweigh the Con's.

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  19. Hey Tony,

    I think our colleagues above have raised some valid points on both sides of the problem with the tool vs. problem with us dichotomy. A challenge I find with Twitter is it amplifies inequities when generally smart people use it to highlight the influence of those purporting to speak for the voiceless and/or marginalized. As it relates to education in particular, the privileged have yet one more platform to muse about the ills of education inequity while throwing out terms like achievement gap, cultural competency and even connectedness. Nonetheless, these same "thought leaders" and committed educators never come out and say things like - Black kids are structurally oppressed and we are a part of that, or why is it only 2% of the teaching force identifies as Black men, or when we want strong school cultures do we admit we support the school to prison pipeline by demanding zero tolerance of behaviors we don't (want to) understand. Rarely do I see these issues called out on Twitter by educators with the most "klout" - pun intended. Even less often do I see privileged folk using the platform to amplify and cultivate opportunity for the voices of those without to benefit from the space that is twitter, in order to improve their circumstance. Lo, the issue is with us and not one of many tools I can point to that we can use to engage in the human experience.

    Drinks on you next time. Hugs to Paul!

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  20. Tony - I always appreciate your transparency and writing style. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I only offer that "Twitter in Education" has a reputation, by my account, to be limited to talking about "Twitter in Education." There are rare exceptions, of course. However, it just seems that the education-related Twitter conversations and chats I see are mostly about "Twitter in Education." I think I need to see more meaningful examples of Twitter being used to talk about things other than Twitter.

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  21. Tony,
    Great blog post. I tend to agree with your points and your feelings about Twitter may not be for everyone, hit a special chord with me. As the Twitter guy in my building, I often feel discouraged when few teachers in our building attend my Twitter breakfasts. You're right, it may not be for everyone. I encourage lurking, but alas, few jump in to the pool.

    One point that may also need to be considered is the commercialization of education and how some may be looking to make the quick buck in the name of helping students reach their potential.

    Thannks for bringing up this topic!

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  22. Hey Tony,

    Thanks for the accurate and articulate reflection on the pros and cons of Twitter use a means of professional development. As you know, I'm mostly a lurker, and I'm thankful for your appreciation and understanding of this approach to Twitter use. We all need to define our own "best practices" with the myriad of tools available to us.

    See you soon!
    Lance

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  24. I thought this was an EXCELLENT post and will RT it to my followers and hope it helps to raise awareness and stimulate debate. Thank you!

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  25. Couldn't agree more about Groupthink. I have worked really hard to get connected. I've participated in chats and, at first, especially, I learned a ton through connections I made through Twitter. And then I had the nerve to question some of the Twitter demigods - and was then flamed like you wouldn't believe. Essentially what I heard was "Who do you think you are to question X?" Well, I'll tell you who I am. I'm somebody who works hard to learn from others while thinking for myself. I used to LOVE to take part in twitter chats. I used to LOVE to follow some of the "big guns." As a result of the treatment, I've unfollowed and quit chatting. Reactionary? Perhaps. But I'll continue to learn from those I've come to value the most and do my own thing at the same time.

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  26. Hey Pal,

    First, great bit. Really dug reading it.

    Here's a thought that has been roiling around in my head: Do you think that people's use of Twitter changes fundamentally as their voice grows and they gain more social power in the network?

    Is it possible that people new to Twitter see the platform as a place for connecting and building relationships and thinking together while people with 30,000 followers see the platform as a place for promotion -- either of themselves or their own content or ideas that they are passionate about?

    Does gaining followers and an increased voice fundamentally change the way that people perceive both themselves and the role that they play in "the network?"

    I only ask because I know that I sometimes catch myself spending more time in my @ stream than I do on my homepage -- a selfish act that I'm embarrassed by and have to check myself on. I also ask because I've had conversations with super-influential folks in the Twittersphere who almost universally take more pride in the number of followers they have than in the conversations they start. They see themselves as direction-setters rather than as equals in a network of co-learners.

    Is that an inevitable result of a platform that advertises the number of followers that people have and the number of retweets and replies that each individual message gets? Structurally, doesn't Twitter encourage self-promotion and self-celebration?

    Another question: Should we really care how other people use Twitter?

    The beauty of the space is that I can follow and unfollow anyone that I want. So when someone becomes "too big to interact with little ol' me" -- a pattern that I've seen repeated time and again in Twitter -- I can delete them from my stream and let them move on without any hassle at all.

    Any of this make sense?
    Bill

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  27. Tony, this post was recommended to me by Craig Vroom. I appreciate your thoughts. I've been frustrated and discouraged lately at the amount of educators that simply seem to shrug their shoulders when it comes to learning and developing a PLN. I've always admitted that Twitter may not be for everyone, but if it's not through Twitter, than what other way are you connecting, learning, sharing, and reflecting with other educators. I think Tom Whitby said it best, it's the conversations that the unconnected are NOT involved in that is most concerning to me. I'm an 8th grade math teacher in my building. I don't hold any positions of real leadership among my staff. I've taken every piece of advice to share my resources, name-drop when I can, and encourage other educators to join up and start building their PLN. I've even invested time into creating a Twitter101 tutorial complete with how-to screenshots leading my staff through the process. It's as if all of my efforts fall on shrugged shoulders. The leadership in my school and district can't see the value in building a PLN because they are sooooo far removed from building their own PLN. I don't want to become an over-sharer and I don't want to overstep my boundaries with my own administration. Yet, when my staff meets to discuss problems and solutions, it's tough to bite my tongue when the conversations going on around me are 15+ years behind the times. I feel connecting has rapidly increased my growth as an educator and a learner. My perspective is no longer narrowed to my own 5 year teaching experience. Effective solutions and advice are now at the reach of my fingertips. For some reason, that has failed to sound intriguing to the rest of my colleagues in my building.
    I'm now convinced that I may have to pursue my administration certificate to really achieve sustainable change in a school building. The potential to impact more teachers and more students is so great in my area.
    Thanks for being available Tony!

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