1. Advantages of being a tweacher by a self confessed geek.
The power of Twitter
Advantages of being a tweacher by a self confessed geek.
@littlestobbsy
@hodhist
INSETs, twilights and courses are the main forms of CPD we have but they are only every now and again and its not always possible to tailor them to you. At Hodgson we run brilliant twilights BUT… if you are presenting then you don’t get to see other sessions. Twitter has been the best source of FREE CPD over the last 18 months so I would just like to run through some ideas of why it is worth giving it a try.

2. @littlestobbsy @hodhist
Technically joined in 2009 but didn’t really have a clue what to do but started using it properly in march 2012 and not long after. From there it has become my first stop for lesson ideas both history specific and generic that can be adapted. I use my own account for CPD and created a school account for history on which we have shared student work, homework tasks and useful links to resources during the year.

3. How it works?
Talk through what it is 140 characters to say something, post a picture, link to a website.
You create a handle e.g. littlestobbsy and fill out your profile but the great thing is your handle doesn’t have to be anything to do with your name.
You can search twitter for teachers, subjects and it can be used to find out how teachers in any other subject are helping students learn.

4. What to do?
There are stages you go through and guides to help out there.
Most people start as lurkers following others and getting ideas and inspiration but work their way through to share their own ideas.
VII – thou shalt join in is really important!

5. Why. http://mrparkinsonict. blogspot. co
14% of the population are on twitter but only 4% of the teachers and yet the amount of free resources, help, advice and ideas they are willing to share is amazing.
Scroll down to look at teacher responses of why they use twitter.

6. #Hashtags #TMHA Useful #
Useful #
#pedagoofriday – search on a Friday to find examples of the best ideas shared
#sltchat
#poundlandpedagogy
#sologlobalchat
#ukedchat
Used to categorize and reference tweets so you can find information.
But of course you can do this in class e.g. henry vii year 8

7. If you want some ideas of who to follow this tweachers map uses the colous

8. Who can you follow? @TeacherToolkit (#5minplan) @arti_choke (#solo)
@pedagoo (#pedagoofriday)
@ASTsupportAAli ( literacywheel)
@headguruteacher
@ICTEvangelist
@pekabelo (tweachers map)

9. What have I got out of it? Resources, ideas, CPD, help, support,
sharing…
#TLAB13 and teachmeets
10 minutes on twitter and I have usually found something, not always history related, that I think I am going to try that in my class. I have been teaching 18 years and it is too easy to stay in your comfort zone but does that help us be outstanding? Twitter keeps you up to date with the latest developments in education. I saw the new draft curriculum on twitter before it was sent out to schools. It is there all the time and you don’t have to wait for a course to make the most of it.
If I’m busy I favourite things to come back to later.
T&L conference found on here and it was brilliant. 250 teachers all giving up their Saturday to learn new things to make their lessons outstanding. Lots of them are on twitter and it was nice to put names to faces.
Daily lesson activities that are new but help tweak our lessons to be the best they can.
Solo has been a focus and will be again next year in departments plans. Pam Hook the solo guru is on twitter and does answer if you ask her for advice as well as sharing links.
Poundland pedagogy (mentioned by Laura or will be) has given interesting twists to lessons that engage learners.

10. A new form of CPD?
So this brings us full circle as I found out about teachmeets through twitter and it has really given me an injection of enthusiasm for my teaching and learning which can be hard when you have a bonkers day. I promise you there is something on there for everyone and if you want any advice on where to go please ask.