I have been on Twitter now for about a year and a half (@NicholasDiaz1). I can truly say that my time on Twitter has made a profound impact on my administrative career. My PLN (personal learning network) has been an invaluable resource to me on a daily basis. Although I must say that initially I was extremely skeptical about the prospects of “tweeting”. I mean, do I really care what the Kardashian sisters are up to? Well, I’m glad I took the risk because I am a better educator because of Twitter. So the question is, why aren't more educators, connected educators? Being a lover of apologetics (speaking in defense) I have decided to post five common objections to Twitter along with a connected educator’s response.
Objection #1 - Twitter stops people from cultivating “real” relationships.
I beg to differ, I myself have made connections with educators throughout my state (NJ), the U.S., and I have even made some global connections. If it weren't for Twitter I never would have had the opportunity to connect with them.
Objection#2 - I have better things to do. Twitter is a waste of time.
If being a lifelong learner is a waste of time then I am guilty! Where else can you have instant access to the thoughts and shared resources of many incredible educators? Just the other day I asked my PLN for resources on helping educators to get started on Twitter. Almost instantaneously, I had several educators share helpful resources. To view the one I settled on click here.
Objection#3 - Twitter is only full of “fluff”. It's useless information overload!
Well I agree to a point. If the “tweeps” you follow are mostly disgruntled or bored celebrities, then your timeline will consist of tweets like this:
If the selection of people you follow is purpose driven (maybe I should write a book, The Purpose Driven Tweets) then they will look more like this:
Not so fluffy!
Objection#4 - It's too risky! Twitter is just another opportunity for someone to make a fool of themselves!
A fellow NJ administrator Brad Currie (@bcurrie5) used this analogy recently at Padcamp, “A knife can be used to cut up fruits and vegetables (good) or to kill someone (bad)." Though many do not use Twitter properly (shame on you A-Rod) like anything, Twitter can (and should) be used for much good.
Objection#5 - Twitter is a passing fad, here today gone tomorrow.
According to Twitter, over 140 million users contribute over 340 million tweets per day. That is impressive when you consider that Twitter is only seven years old. Doesn't look like it’s going away anytime soon.
See you on Twitter
I invite you to add any Twitter objections you have responded to in the comments section.Twitter has been an amazing tool and has helped me tremendously. If you aren't on Twitter, consider signing up. You will be glad you did!
