BEX Levy Projects

Introduction:

What is Twitter anyway? Twitter allows the users to send “tweets” or messages of up to 140 characters. Those that follow that person can view those updates. The person sending the “tweets” can allow only friends or everyone to see them.

Video overview of wikis created by Commoncraft.

Examples:

• Olympic View Elementary (includes on webpage)
• Arbor Heights Elementary
• Classroom Blog (Review of Day’s Activities)

Things to Consider:

Once you have created an account you can embed a widget into your webpage, blog or wiki to show your updates.  You must have a public account in order to do this.

Getting Started/Steps with Twitter:

The video below is from the  Twitter Help Page and is a good introduction about beginning to use Twitter.

1. Visit Twitter and click the Sign up Now button to create an account.
   1. The first page after creating an account will show your email and ask you for a password.  It will find those in your address book and see if they have Twitter accounts.  There is a spot to “skip this step”  near the Continue button.
   2. The next page will have people checked for you to follow.  You may or may not want most of them.  Click the Select All check box to unselect those in the list and click Finish.
2. Click Home and send a tweet by typing in the box and clicking update.  Below that box the tweets of those that you follow will appear.
3. Click Find People to find some people to follow.  Below are a few suggestions of Educational Technology leaders.  Once you find them click Follow to add them to your Twitter page.
   1. Joyce Valenza – teacher/librarian with great tech tips.
   2. David Warlick (dwarlick) – teacher and creator of classblogmeister
4. Click on Settings to change features.
   • Account tab- Check the box “Protect my tweets” if you only want friends you approve to see your tweets.
   • Devices tab- Allows you to set up your phone to text to Twitter.  It will give you a number to send to them and then you will be able to post from your phone.  Regular texting rates apply.
   • Notices tab- If you want Twitter to email you under certain circumstances you can select that here.
   • Picture tab- Upload a picture that appears with your profile.
   • Design tab – Change the design of your page or upload your own backgrounds.
5. When you respond to a particular person remember to use the @username so others know who your comment is directed at.  There are many instances where you may want to repeat or share what someone else said.  This is called re-tweeting and is done in a particular way.  It may be beneficial wait to see what your follows are doing or read about more Twitter norms HERE.

Other Resources:

*Click on Goodies at the bottom of your Twitter page to create a widget or view other applications for using Twitter.
*IT Blog Post- More info about using Twitter in education
* Twitter Tips: the Ultimate Guide
* Twitter Reading List (Jane Hart)