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| https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurgenappelo/7749081714 |
One of my all time favorite places to chat is on Twitter. Sure you're restricted to 120 characters and so many follows but the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks. Here is 5 reasons why I think you should be on Twitter:
1. Friends
I find it easier to make friends on Twitter. People seem to communicate and respond a lot more positively. I might just be lucky enough to have super nice people in my feed but most conversations are meet with enthusiasm and encouragement. It opens a global meeting place to talk about like minded hashtags (more about that later) and funny images or videos. You always seem to have that one friend (or crazy aunt) that likes and retweets everything you do. My favorite way of making friends is by sharing someone's content. It shows that you support them and aren't afraid to broadcast their written word and opinion.
We should be friends! Please tweet me, follow or add me to your list :)
2. Twitter Chats
Twitter chats are a nice offspring of twitter. It allows for like minded people to gather around their twitter feed to have a healthy conversation about that week's topic. I'm horrible at remembering to attend them regularly but I at least like to check and see what the topic is. It feels like people are off put about the process because items flash before your eyes and are gone quickly. I try to always attend using a laptop or PC (for more screen space) and dedicate my time solely to contributing to the conversation. Be sure to check out some of chats available or be a daredevil and manage your own (hump days open)!
#GuildChat (Friday at 11am PT / 2pm ET)
#lrnchat (Thursdays at 8:30-9:30pm ET/5:30-6:30pm PT)
#edchat (Tuesdays from 12 to 1 and 7 to 8 pm Eastern Time)
#edtech (Mondays from 8-9 pm EST)
3. Lists
With the restriction of people you can follow comes the ability to compensate by creating lists. These lists can help you view content from specific people. This is also something I'm trying to get better at but others are using it to the fullest.
4. Hashtags
Twitter can be your own form of Google. With the abundant use of hashtags in posts you can now find curated content by simply searching for it. Find posts and thoughts from companies and individuals. Be sure to include them when you post so others can see it as well. Some of my favorites are:
#elearning
#instructionaldesign
#projectmanagement
#lms
#mlearning
5. Analytics
Twitter provides each user with the unlimited use of their analytics tool. Check to see what your impression rate is, your monthly summary and highlights, and interesting demographic information.
P.S. Sorry I haven't been around lately. I moved to Kentucky a couple weeks ago and was without WiFi for wayyyy to long.
