Journal #2-Enhance Your Twitter Experience/Join the Flock (NET-S II/III)

Miller, S. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning & Leading With Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20100607#pg16

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning & Leading With Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Join_the_Flock.aspx

Having been one of those people who was very reluctant to join Twitter, even when it was a required assignment, reading "Enahnce Your Twitter Experience" at least assisted in other ways I may use it. I am still not quite fond of Twitter, but Miller explains many ways one may be able to utilize this tool. As a teacher, following other teachers in order to get assignment ideas and such, it one major advantage to using Twitter. Another great reason for using Twitter is the hashtag tool. The hashtag tool allows those to follow a specific tweet from someone on their network to someone else who may not be in their following and/or a follower. Miller also plugs a few organizational tools (tweetdeck.com, hootsuite.com) in which to manage your tweets, friends and tags/those who have tagged you and translate languages.

Furthermore, while reading "Join the Flock!" by Ferguson goes on to explain how one can most optimally use Twitter with a few simple steps. The first step of course involves signing up, followed by creating a list of people to follow. This can be referred to as a PLN (Personal Learning Network) which can be built easily by finding one great source and seeing who their following is and/or who they are following. Ferguson admits that even if someone joins, the do not necessarily have to contribute; one can just take the knowledge and suggestions. However, adding to the stream of Twitter is highly appreciated by all. She also mentions the hashtags which is mentioned by Miller above.

I would like to hear more about how I may best utilize Twitter other than the organization tools. I’m still feeling a little “eh” about it. :)

Questions:

1. What is one way that can enhance your experience with Twitter?
One may use an organizational tool such as tweetdeck.com. This will assist with organizing one's following, tweets, photos, etc.

2. What is a quick way for one to build their PLN?
Hashtags are a great way to follow new people. Once someone has at least one or two people they are following, they can often get great referrals by the hashtags their "friend" has tagged.