Twitter and the Teenage Boy

Last week I introduced Twitter to 12 high school seniors (I work in a boys school) in my Digital Journalism class. None of them had used Twitter before. They knew of it, but did not have accounts. Facebook is their go-to social network, but they were interested in learning more about a tool that they had heard so much about. They had the classic response to Twitter - "Why would anyone want to know what I had for breakfast?" and they were surprised to discover that there is much more to Twitter than they knew about.

I showed them the basics, how to find followers, what it means when someone follows you. They learned about the Iran Election, Moldova and Mumbai and we discussed the differences between Facebook and Twitter. They wrote about their reactions. Here is a little bit of what some of them had to say.

"Twitter is a great resource that I intend on making full use of when I’m older, but until then, for me, Twitter will be used only for educational purposes while Facebook dominates as my main means of social media." - Colin E.

"There are also many more things you can do with Facebook that you just can not do with Twitter that involve more personal or direct contact." - Jack

"I do not think Twitter is relevant to people in our age group. From what I have seen, the people on Twitter are either teachers, celebrities, business corporations, or endorsers. I could hardly find people within my age group on Twitter, and I feel a that is a big factor for teenagers." - Agazi


"For now, I will stick to Facebook since my amount of followers is so small and I have nothing interesting to Tweet. However, one day as I hope to own my own company, Twitter may be the tool to spread my new products or works across the globe." -Kevin

Overall, they could see the value of Twitter for others, for the world and for them in the future. But they were in agreement that right now in their lives Facebook does everything Twitter does and more. I wonder if I had girls in the class if they would have responded differently? What do you think?

Twitter List Screencast

Recently Twitter introduced the ability to create and subscribe to lists. I've been playing around with this new feature and I think it has a lot of potential. I created this screencast to show a few of the things I've learned.

In addition to my screencast, @_stevewoods wrote a great post describing Twitter lists. And, here is the direct link to the Twitter Gadget for embedding your list on a website.

Please share your tips. What have you learned about lists? Do you like them? I'm still trying to figure out how to subscribe to a list in a reader. Does anyone know how to do that?

P.S. This is the first time I have included my own image as part of the screencast. I'm not sure if I like it, or if it is helpful. Let me know what you think.

A Twitter Love Story

This analogy came to me last night and I couldn't resist telling the story. It is meant as a joke, but isn't there a little bit of truth to all jokes. Do you see yourself in Suzie's story? I have to admit that I do. Enjoy.

The following is a dramatization - names have been changed to protect the innocent.


Suzie remembers when she first met Twitter. Everyone told her she had to go out with him, he was perfect for her. Suzie was skeptical, but she agreed to go on one date. They met for coffee, they talked a little, but there were no sparks. Suzie went home not sure what everyone talking about. She went on with her life and didn't see Twitter again for quite a while.

A few months later at a party, Suzie saw Twitter across the room. He was surrounded by people. They were all talking to him, fawning over him. She still didn't get what the big deal was, but she decided to walk over and say hello. Twitter remembered her from their date and she and T started talking. They had a decent conversation. At the end of the party T asked Suzie for another date, and Suzie agreed to meet him.

T and Suzie met at a nice restaurant, it was busy, but not too loud. They started talking and Suzie found not only was T really easy to talk to, he was also a good listener. On their second date Suzie started to open up to T, she started to share a bit more of her self. She asked questions and was surprised to find T pretty knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects. Suzie could feel herself falling for him, but she still kept her heart in check.

Over time, Suzie fell deeper and deeper. After several dates, long conversations, and an occasional time when T pulled her out of a jam, she was hooked. Suzie was in love. She was infatuated. She became a bit obsessed. She checked in with T all the time, from her phone, from work, from home. She couldn't wait to see what T had to say. Did he leave her a special message? Did he have the answer to something she just couldn't figure out?

She was in love, but it was also affecting her other friendships. Her friends just didn't get why she was so in to him. She tried to explain, but they teased her about him. A few of her friends took the time to get know him, many didn't. Suzie was ok with that.

More time passed and Suzie fell in to a comfortable relationship with Twitter. She learned how to get the most out of her time with him. She began to feel she could trust him, to know that he would be there for her if she needed him. The intensity of her feelings subsided and a feeling of calm took its place.

Today Suzie and Twitter are still together. Their relationship has deepened and grown. She enjoys her time with him, but has learned how to balance it with the other relationships in her life. She can't remember her life before she met him. She is looking forward to seeing how their relationship will change over time.

Two For Tuesday 3/10/09

1. befunky - Photo effects with one click, Turn your photos into artwork
Upload any photo andbefunky will turn it into a cartoon, a Wharhol-like painting a line drawing and more.It is simple to do and you can use the resulting image as an icon or profile picture. You can also create and purchase t-shirts, postage stamps, and coffee mugs (among other items) featuring your image.

2. Realtime Twitter Search Results on Google
Great Twitter plug-in for your Firefox browser. Once installed, your Google searches will show not only Google results, but also the most recent 5 tweets related to your query. This blog post explains how to first install Grease Monkey and then install the plug-in. I've done it, it is easy to do and it works.

Advice for Teachers New To Twitter

Each day several new people start following me on Twitter. As I click through each profile, I make a decision whether or not to follow these people back. I generally follow all teachers back and will sometimes follow others depending upon what they do and the kinds of things they share on Twitter. As I was going through new followers on Saturday night, it occurred to me to Tweet some basic suggestions for teachers new to Twitter.  The first 3 are really essential to building your network of followers.

1. Go to settings and fill out your Bio! This is essential to getting followers.
   
2. Tweet a few things - share a link, an idea, a resource, a blog post, anything.
   
3. Don't protect your updates. People often hesitate to follow back if they can't see your tweets.
   
4. Use your real name and your real picture. You will eventually have to say "Hi I'm "xx" on Twitter."
   
5. Look for people who will follow you back - that is what makes a conversation.
   
6. Check out this spreadsheet of educators on Twitter add yourself: http://bit.ly/xfUn
   
7. If you Tweet a question and no one answers, Tweet it again later. It is OK to ask more than once.

I also asked others to share their suggestions. Check them out below.

• nycrican2: More advice for new teachers on Twitter, become familiar with the vocabulary on this site: http://twictionary.pbwiki.com/
  
• JPerino: A friend who set me up on Twitter suggested using http://search.twitter.com/ to find others by topic...like EduCon 2.1
  
• prodev: My best advice and I wish I'd discovered it sooner is http://TweetTree.com!
  
• nycrican2:  How about the advice that new teachers on Twitter should click on their replies and direct messages links frequently.
  
• adewitt2: Use it as a prof. development tool. Use it for getting info. from others.It's like the mgc 8 ball.
  
• raventech:  I try to DM once it gets to be more personal/give & take. I @reply for general convo and definitely for thanks for RT's
  
• ScottElias When u ask for advice & someone obliges, common courtesy dictates that u thank them. How that looks (@ or D) is up to u.
  
• mwacker: join the twitter freaks group on diigo..there's some tremendous resources there
  
• cfanch: My advice for connecting with students is NO to Twitter, Facebook, Myspace. Just my two cents on that.
  
• ScottElias: Stick with it a while. There is a learning curve until you reach that "critical mass" where your feed starts to get interesting.
  
• MagistraM: Ask questions, give answers, share challenges AND successes. Don't just lurk, but join in.

Do you have advice for teachers new to Twitter? Do you have questions? Please share them here.

Image Credit:  Alan Levine, SPLJ 2.0: http://cogdogblog.com/2007/04/26/splj-20/

How has your Personal Learning Network Changed Your Life?

I am about to head down to the Educon 2.1 conference in Philadelphia. Last year this conference was a life changing experience for me. My online personal learning network came alive. My internet friends became real live friends and it felt like I already knew most of them.

In general, I learn so much from my blogging, twitering, plurking, deliciousing, facebooking network. They lead me to new ideas and tools, they help me when I'm in trouble, they inspire me when I'm stuck. I honestly don't know how I survived without you all.

Last year's Educon also introduced me (in person) to Lisa Thumann who has become a great friend and cherished colleague in the last year. She and I have so much in common, despite the hundreds of miles that separate us. It seems fitting that this year we will be presenting two sessions together. I hope to see some of you there.

I asked my Twitter network how their PLN has changed their life. Here is what they had to say. Please share your thoughts on the subject (I feel like I never get any comments anymore - I could use some comment love).

	jeanbont @lizbdavis Getting lots of new ideas, finding web2.0 applications I didn't know existed, started a blog, getting colleagues involved too! 10:27 PM Jan 14th from TweetDeck in reply to lizbdavis
	MagistraM @lizbdavis No longer working in isolation - always have resources for answers, ideas, suggestions. My PLN inspires me. 10:16 PM Jan 14th from web in reply to lizbdavis

	dmcordell @lizbdavis Instead of being a solitary librarian, I'm part of a group. I have mentors, teachers, friends from around the world. 10:15 PM Jan 14th from web in reply to lizbdavis
	cehyde9 @lizbdavis WOW. You all are so much on the cutting edge of everything! Links, resources, news, troubleshooting, answers, support. U name it! 10:11 PM Jan 14th from web in reply to lizbdavis
	chollingsworth @lizbdavis my new PLN has re-energized me. I was getting bored and needed to start learning for myself again. Never knew what I was missing! 10:11 PM Jan 14th from TwitterFon in reply to lizbdavis
	h011y @lizbdavis My learning curve is doing loop-de-loops. Gained/offered ideas and resources. Enjoy "knowing" folks at other online events. 10:08 PM Jan 14th from web in reply to lizbdavis
	mrsbrowndog @lizbdavis In terms of 140 characters I can say...it's immeasurable. I am more reflective & willing to ask for help here than anywhere else 10:06 PM Jan 14th from web in reply to lizbdavis
	jason_everett @lizbdavis I believe I have more focus because of my PLN. 10:06 PM Jan 14th from web in reply to lizbdavis
	cathyjo @lizbdavis it has opened UNBELIEVABLE doors for me. My PLN will take me farther than I ever dreamed of going. Im now a global thinker. 9:59 PM Jan 14th from TweetDeck in reply to lizbdavis
	lfeld52 @lizbdavis My PLN has given me new outlets for interests and given me a bigger "toolbox" to use at school 9:56 PM Jan 14th from web in reply to lizbdavis
	tamurray @lizbdavis I think my new PLN has helped me look at more sources and try some new things. Expanding my classroom resources. 9:56 PM Jan 14th from web in reply to lizbdavis
	bethstill @lizbdavis I'm a better teacher b/c of my PLN. More connections=more ideas for new and improved lessons. PLN=more personal fulfillment. 9:54 PM Jan 14th from TwitterFox in reply to lizbdavis
	vtdeacon @lizbdavis as someone who uses project based learning it has really made me look at and helped me find more options for kids 2 present 9:51 PM Jan 14th from web in reply to lizbdavis
	pcwoessner @lizbdavis For me? Best learning resource I could imagine. For most educators? I daresay it hasn't: http://tinyurl.com/9a9upl 9:50 PM Jan 14th from Power Twitter in reply to lizbdavis
	nealcross @lizbdavis was pondering that some today; it seems like I can easily be overwhelmed by Good Information, the only bad is the distraction. 9:49 PM Jan 14th from web in reply to lizbdavis
	nnorris @lizbdavis I am so much more aware of recent research, best practices, new tools, high quality resources - I'm just plain smarter! 9:49 PM Jan 14th from TweetDeck in reply to lizbdavis

Image Citations
Thanks so much to Frank for this awesome PLN graphic!
"Get Connected" http://www.flickr.com/photos/metaweb/3200153417/ metaweb20's photostream on Flickr

This is the best image of me (in the hat) and Lisa (on my right) that I can find. Thanks to Kristin Hokanson for taking the photo.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/khokanson/2223451332/ kristinhokanson's photostream on Flickr

Getting Started With Twitter

I've been working on updating my book, and decided to add a section on Twitter. Hopefully I'll have the revised version of my book done soon. It is amazing how much is out of date after only 6 months. Until then, here is my newest chapter.

A Spreadsheet of Educators on Twitter

(If you don't know what Twitter is, please check out this post: Getting started with Twitter)

I have seen several lists of educators on Twitter, like this one and recently I discovered this wiki which organizes us by subject area. It inspired me to create a list that could be sorted across different criteria like country, state, subject or grade level. In an attempt to create a more malleable list I made a Google form for educators to fill out. I then made the corresponding spreadsheet public, so that anyone can sort it. If you haven't already, please complete the form and add yourself to the list.

I took the data that we have collected so far and used Many Eyes to create a treemap of the results. If you click on the image below you can see the results so far.

My Twitter Playground

Can you come out and play?

This week I have called on my Twitter neighborhood to help me try out two new tech tools. And the 'hood did not let me down!


1. Earlier this week I learned about grouptweet. Needing a group to see if it would work, I asked for some volunteers.

lizbdavis I've lost who tweeted this http://www.grouptweet.com/ Group Tweet - It looks like it has a lot of potential. Anyone want to try it with me? 01:47 PM April 09, 2008 from twhirl

Well, I got many takers and we had a great time setting up a group (@edutweets) and trying it out. Here are just a few.

	drctedd @lizbdavis I'll try it - it might be useful with classes and faculty groups 01:02 PM April 09, 2008 from twhirl in reply to lizbdavis
	georgygrrl @lizbdavis did you find someone? i am game! 01:56 PM April 09, 2008 from twhirl in reply to lizbdavis
	Deacs84 @lizbdavis Would love to experiment with Group Tweet. Lemme know. 01:51 PM April 09, 2008 from twhirl in reply to lizbdavis
	dstall @lizbdavis I'm Game!!! 12:50 PM April 09, 2008 from web in reply to lizbdavis

To use grouptweet:

1. Set up an account on Twitter (I set up @edutweets)
2. Register it on the grouptweet website
3. Tell your friends (the people you want to have in the group) to follow that account.
4. When anyone direct messages @edutweets, all of edutweets followers will see that tweet. If you don't protect updates, then anyone can join the group, and @edutweets doesn't have to follow them back.
5. To direct message @edutweets start your tweet with D edutweets
6. If you don't want to miss anything, you can subscribe to the RSS of @edutweets with friends: http://twitter.com/statuses/friends_timeline/14343998.atom

If you protect updates, then you will have to approve followers. I think that would work really well with kids. Create a group for your class and have the students follow the group.

This group is open, please follow @edutweets if you want to give it a try.

2. Last night I again asked for help trying out a collaborative Whiteboard space called Twiddla. Again, my tweeps were there for me.


lizbdavis Does anyone want to try twiddla with me? I'm trying to figure it out. Try this link: http://www.twiddla.com/15909 about 12 hours ago from twhirl

I had several takers. We chatted and explored the space. We asked questions and tried things out. It was a lot of fun. You can see a transcript of our chat here: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfnmfqtd_321hcn4kn7x I think it really illustrates our learning process.

Here is summary of what we discovered.

• Anyone can join the space if it open.
• No one seemed to be in control of the space - all of us could erase the board, write on the board, bring up a webpage and change what was on the screen at any time.
• As the creator of the space, I didn't seem to have any more privileges than anyone else.
• The chat worked well, unfortunately, there isn't a way to pop it off the page so that you can see the whole page.
• You can move the chat window from right to left.
• We couldn't play videos from YouTube, but the embedded videos on my blog did play.
• We couldn't get the audio to work.
• Kids could use a space like this to collaborate on research. Search the Web, and chat.
• You could use it to demo something Online with distance learners.
• You could use Skype for the audio.

Twiddla is free and easy to use. It has a lot of potential. It will be interesting to see how it evolves. The space I created is still there (I'm not sure how long it will be there) if you want to click on the link and try it out.

Thanks to everyone who came out to play this week. It was a lot of fun! What did you think?
-Liz

Getting Started With Twitter - Screencast

I know I've written about Twitter before (as have many other people), but Vicki Davis's recent blog posts inspired me to create a Screencast to help people get started using Twitter.

In this video I go over how to sign up, how to set up your account, how to find followers and how to download applications that will help make Twitter more useful to you. Throughout this Screencast, you will see my Twitter network at work. I hope this can help illustrate, especially for those of you who are visual learners, the power of Twitter.

The video was too long (20 minutes) for YouTube, so I am experimenting with blip.tv (Thanks to @kjarrett in my Twitter network). If you want to be able to stop, start, fast forward and download this video, you will want to click here to watch it. Also, my husband is renovating our basement right now, so the odd noises you hear in the background are not Darth Vader, but his pneumatic nail gun. I apologize in advance for that.

Click To Play

Bucket List Meme

Ok This is the first time I've been tagged for a meme (that I know of). I must be coming up in the world. Thanks to Susan at Beyond Podcasting for thinking of me.

The Bucket List meme was started by Jeff Pulver and is based on the movie. It seems to have not evolved much and is still essentially a list of things you hope to accomplish in 2008.

What do I hope to accomplish in 2008?
1. I would like to get to know the faculty and staff at my school and I would like them to get to know me.
2. I hope to successfully play Charlotte Lucas in a local community theater production of Pride and Prejudice.
3. I hope to make a great decision about who I will vote for in the upcoming presidential primary.
4. I hope to continue to fit exercise into my very busy life.
5. I strive to be a good mother, wife and daughter.
6. I hope to inspire teachers and students to start blogging.
7. I hope to encourage people to join and participate in the social networks (ning) that I have created.
8. I strive to continue to contribute to this blog in a thoughtful and meaningful way.

OK now I have to tag some others.
I tag Cathy Jo, Anne, and Carolyn.
Your turn.
-Liz

Found Twittery - Micro-blogging goes Macro...

In the spirit of found poetry (and due to some writer's block), I thought it might be interesting to go back over my recent Twitter posts and turn my micro-blogging into micro-poetry. Here is my "found twittery..."

Thanks for the Learning

Feeling like I have
blogger's block!
I know I've got to get
something
out there -
don't yet know
what it will be.

Back on Twitter
catching up on Tweets.
Amazing resources here -

Lately, I'm a taker, not a giver.
I really appreciate all of your gifts!

Comments on my blog -
I have never gotten so many.
It is great to know
I'm not
talking to myself.

Good night all -
It got late when I wasn't looking.

Thanks for the learning.