#connectED challenge
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Challenge 2: Join in an education Twitter chat

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As well as helping me find lots of great resources to use in my classroom, Twitter has also introduced me to new ideas and methodologies, for example, flipped / blended learning, growth mindset and Project Based Learning (PBL) - to name but a few. In fact, many teachers are starting to use Twitter to take control of their Continued Professional Development (CPD). 
“My teaching had become quite stale but Twitter has changed that - having used twitter for a year, I've been introduced to different approaches/resources through discussions/links and being connected to great educators.” - Angela Goodman (@goodman_ang)

​I find one of the best places to pick new ideas and resources is during education related Twitter chats.
​Tips for taking part in Twitter chats (Crib Sheet)
​Twitter chats can be a fun but also powerful way to engage with other educators. Chats are also great for growing your PLN (Personal Learning Network). Here are some tips to get you started:
Finding education Twitter chats:

All edu twitter chats will use a designated hashtag, this helps others find the chat session more easily amongst all the other twitter traffic. However, with so many chats covering so many topics, how do you decide which one to join? To get you started, here is a list of some of the more popular chats:

  • #AussieEd - Weekly #edchat which unites educators from around the world to share best practice and explore the latest educational theories.
  • #SLTChat - Discussions about school leadership (Aimed at Senior Leaders/Managers)
  • #UkEdChat - Weekly Twitter based discussion for educators.
  • #WhatIsSchool - WhatIsSchool is an award winning #edchat which provides teachers from around the globe a voice in shaping the future of education.
  • #NT2t (New To Twitter chat) - #NT2t is an edchat session designed for teachers that are new to twitter. Supported by a plethora of experienced educators, #NT2t aims to help new tweachers to navigate the twitter-universe by recommending who to follow and how to tweet. #NT2t is also a great place for sharing best practice and exploring how to integrate technology to enhance teaching and learning. 
  • #NT2tEU - Similar to #NT2t but timed more convenient for EU based educators, #NT2tEU is a weekly Twitter chat where a team of experienced educators, including a variety of influential guest hosts, discuss topics such as how to get the most out of twitter and how to expand your PLN (Personal Learning Network).
  • #PrimaryRocks - A twitter chat for all things primary.

For more Edu hashtags, click here: It’s all about the hashtag: Essential #EduChats for Teachers 

Tips for taking part in edu chats:

Chats, especially fast paced ones, can be a little daunting at first. These tips are designed to help you get started: 
  1. Use the Hashtag.
    The hashtag (#) symbol is used to mark keywords or topics in a tweet. It was created by Twitter users as a way to categorise messages. All twitter chats use a designated hashtag. Make sure you use the hashtag at the end of your tweets; this will help others locate your responses. You can also use the hashtag to search for questions you may have missed, for example, search #caschat Q1, Q2 etc.

  2. Join in the conversation.
    There’s nothing wrong with lurking however, to truly feel the benefits of a chat, it’s best to participate. The most effective way to contribute is to respond to questions however, if you’re feeling a little nervous, the easiest way to get involved is to re-tweet anything you agree with or find helpful. Re-tweeting can also help build relationships with the original poster as well as provide value to your own followers.

  3. Label your responses.
    Most chat sessions use the Q1, A1, Q2, A2, (question / answer) format. When replying to a question, always label your answers with the question number.
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  4. Take your time.
    Some chat sessions, particularly popular fast paced sessions, can appear daunting at first however, the trick is to go at your own pace. Equally, it’s OK to dip in and out of chat sessions – don’t feel guilty if you have to leave a chat session early or join a chat late. 

For more tips, check out: Tips for taking part in Twitter chats 
Useful links:​
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Staying Safe

​As with any use of social media, a little caution and a bit of common sense is required. Many teachers have already fallen foul of websites such as Facebook and MySpace with some extreme cases resulting in dismissal. However, when used responsibly and with the correct safeguards, social media can be a very powerful and rewarding tool in any 'teacher's toolkit'! Here are some tips for staying safe when using Social Media to become #connectED: Covering your backside when using social media - 10 tips for teachers