As promised last month, let’s discuss how Twitter is being used by educators.  (Click here for “What is Twitter?”) 

Ideas from a variety of sources (see resources below).

1.  Use to summarize topic/content viewpoint,
2.  Tweet dialogue between characters of a novel or historical figures.
3.  Use twitterpoll to collect viewpoints.
4.  Share announcements to your students and parents.
5.  Communicate/follow experts.
6.  Monitor where students are in their learning by tweeting a question/answer.
7.  Combine with Google Earth to receive updates on various regions.
8.  Share resources – send hyperlinks.
9.  Twitter as storytelling.
10.  Professional Development – add to your network/followers creating a strong professional learning network.

For more information:
Laura Walker’s, Nine Great Reasons Teachers Should Use Twitter
21 Ways Teachers are using Twitter and Twitter Reading List

What would be the best way to start using Twitter? 
Begin by creating an account and follow someone in your content area or an educational organization. 
Examples of professional twitter accounts-
http://twitter.com/Britannica
http://twitter.com/voicethread
http://twitter.com/dwarlick
http://twitter.com/pbslearningnow
http://twitter.com/ASCD

How is the library using twitter?
Currently, the BVW library has a twitter account that connects to our web page.  As we update twitter, our web page will show the new post. It is a neat way to make announcements to classes or provide quick links to students while they are working in the library.

Podcasting:  (iPOD broadCAST) “An audio broadcast that has been converted to an MP3 file or other audio file format for playback in a digital music player or computer.” (PC Magazine) 

An iPod is not required to listen or create podcasts!   

Podcasts can easily be found on iTunes or Educational Podcast Network (http://www.epnweb.org/). 

Once you determine a file you would like to try, click on the file and your computer should begin playing.   Common podcasts include NPR This I Believe, National Geographic, and Yogamazing. 

Many educators are utilizing podcasts to go beyond the traditional classroom setting and share with a world-wide audience. 

Students can create a recorded version of their presentation or record a script from a writing assignment.   

Teachers are also creating podcasts to distribute homework, lectures, and school announcements. 

To create podcasts or to have your students create podcasts, see the library media specialists for assistance.   

Podcast Resources: 

Quick/Easy Podcast Creation

How-To

Examples
Grammar Girl’s Quick & Dirty Tips for Better Writing Podcast

Biology @ WHS