Smart ideas for busy educators: Tip #2

It's the age of technology my friend, and it's time that educators kept up. Using social media isn't beyond in realm of education. In fact, I could argue that it is the duty of the educational system to show students of today how social media can be used for more than just recreation.


A simple, easy, yet fabulous idea is to set up a class-related twitter account! You could use the account to send out reminders about homework and assignments. It's also another means you could use to be accessible to students. You'd find that most students are willing to send a quick tweet to you about things they either forgot to, or we're too shy, to talk to you about face-to-face. ("Hey, can I bring my project in on a flash drive instead of emailing it?" or "Could we go over Newton's theories again? I'm still lost.")


Also, you can get extra creative, and use the account to offer extra credit questions, giving credit to the first person who tweets back the right answer.


This idea works! Check out a working example from a tech-savvy teacher @nicolaihw


A word of caution: I would suggest making a stand-alone twitter account that is not connect to any personal account in anyway. Do not have your personal email address, website, Facebook, pintrest, or other social media attached to the site. Keep your tweets only related to class reminders and content. No personal opinions or jokes that could be misunderstood. In addition, fight the urge to make the profile private. Keeping the content and conversation open is actual a protection for you!