Twitter

Ever feel left out of a conversation? Sat in a room while others buzz in conversation and wonder how in the world they became privy to such inside information? These days, you can most likely thank Twitter for the insights, information and interesting tidbits that filter into our conversations.
 * Twitter**

**What is Twitter?**

Twitter launched in 2006 and is a real-time information network that connects you to the latest information that you find interesting. Simply find the streams you find most compelling and follow the conversations. Whether you tweet 100 times a day or never, you still have access to the voices and information that interest you. You can contribute, or just listen in. Some people never tweet, they simply use Twitter as a way to get the latest information on their interests.

Educators are using Twitter to connect with minds across the world. Some recent examples:

Ideas and innovations in Iowa education shared from iowafuture.org Insight from Jason Glass, Director of the Iowa Department of Education. A teacher seeking assistance for student with hearing disability. Another teacher sharing her lesson plan for students who are talented & gifted. An inspiring blog post from author and researcher, Daniel Pink. Watched “Iowa, Did You Know?” video that highlights the drastic changes occurring in Iowa and the world.

**How do I join Twitter?** Here’s a link to a total Twitter tutorial that shows you how to set up your account and get “tweeting.” [|Getting Setup with Twitter]

Once you set up your Twitter, you might consider using an application known as Tweetdeck to organize your tweets. Here’s a YouTube video that outlines how Tweetdeck works. [|Organizing with Tweetdeck]

**Who should I follow Twitter?** Here’s a list of “tweeple” that should enrich, enhance and stretch your thinking.

@plaea (Prairie Lakes AEA) @herz6kids (Chief Administrator Jeff Herzberg) @iowa_aea (Iowa’s Area Education Agencies) @jasonglassIA (Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass) @NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) @NatlHeadStart (National Head Start Assocation) @Education_IEP (Special Education resources for SPED teachers.)

**Twitter Help Center?** [|Twitter Help Center]