Who to Follow on Social Media
by Kerri Lambert, Instructional Technology Teacher Specialist
In OIT, we are often asked how we learn “all this stuff” and how do we keep up with all the changes across our platforms. There are several ways, but one of our favorite ways is to peruse Twitter when we have a moment. This allows us to get information from one place and in the small snippets of time- and it doesn’t fill up our inboxes!
If you are on Twitter and looking for people to follow, here are a few that we recommend.
It’s no secret that OIT supports a variety of instructional applications and yes, sometimes it can feel overwhelming! But, many of the programs we subscribe to are active on Twitter. Not only do they tweet out updates or upcoming features, but also showcase ways educators across the country are using their products with students. This is also a great way to find out about learning opportunities such as webinars or conferences. Following the companies gives you the best of both worlds- updates and inspiration! Here are some suggestions:
Brightspace Community (@BrightspaceHelp)- A great handle to follow for updates and help on using our LMS.
Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd)- Discovery Ed is always tweeting about new content, student learning activities, and virtual field trip opportunities. Looking for podcasts about teaching strategies and hot topics in education? They’ve got that too.
Tech4Learning (@Tech4Learning)- Do you use Wixie? Then you have to follow Tech4Learning. Don’t use Wixie? Then you have to follow Tech4Learning. Along with highlighting the various templates and projects, Tech4Learning goes right to the source and heavily retweets teachers across the country using Wixie with their students. Follow them, and you may even see some familiar AACPS faces!
Google for EDU (@GoogleforEDU) - It’s no secret that OIT are big Google fans. While there are many Google handles worth following, if you’re only going to follow one, then this is the one. Resources, lesson ideas, certification opportunities, and platform updates relative to education all come from this feed.
Lumio by Smart (@LumioSocial)- Lumio is one of the most versatile platforms we subscribe to in AACPS. This PLN is an excellent source of ideas and webinars on using Lumio with your students. They also host a monthly challenge that will help you grow your skills.
WeVideo for Schools (@WeVideoEdu)- Are you interested in getting your students involved in creating videos, but you’re not sure where to start? Then WeVideoEdu is a great place to get started. This is another handle that loves to retweet actual classrooms using their platform. It’s amazing to see what K-12 students are producing using this WeVideo.
Outside of the applications, we look to several instructional technology leaders to provide tips, tricks, lesson ideas, and positivity on our Twitter feed. Here are a few of our favorite educators to be inspired by:
Eric Curts (@ericcurts)- We have been fortunate enough to be able to host Eric Curts multiple times over the years for professional development. A Tech Integrationist, writer, Google for Education Certified Trainer and Innovator, Eric is a prime example of “Sharing is Caring.” Follow him for ways to integrate Google activities into your instruction.
Kasey Bell (@ShakeUpLearning)- Kasey is a southern girl who loves Google. Follow her for webinars, podcasts, and tips on getting the most of the Google Suite.
Tony Vincent (@tonyvincent)- Tony is a great go-to when looking for quick, easy tips to make using technology easier in your classroom. He also retweets interesting articles and resources from other industry leaders, making him a good “all in one” follow.
Ditch That Textbook (@DitchThatTxtbk)- Encouraging educators to think outside the textbook, this handle is a nice blend of ideas, templates, and pedagogy to help teachers bring creativity into instruction.
And finally, the most important person we follow? YOU! We try to follow as many AACPS educators and programs as possible since we love seeing what’s going on across the district- technology or not! To make it easy to follow your fellow colleagues follow OIT’s list of AACPS Schools. Not on it? Follow us so we can follow you and add you to the list!
In OIT, we are often asked how we learn “all this stuff” and how do we keep up with all the changes across our platforms. There are several ways, but one of our favorite ways is to peruse Twitter when we have a moment. This allows us to get information from one place and in the small snippets of time- and it doesn’t fill up our inboxes!
If you are on Twitter and looking for people to follow, here are a few that we recommend.
It’s no secret that OIT supports a variety of instructional applications and yes, sometimes it can feel overwhelming! But, many of the programs we subscribe to are active on Twitter. Not only do they tweet out updates or upcoming features, but also showcase ways educators across the country are using their products with students. This is also a great way to find out about learning opportunities such as webinars or conferences. Following the companies gives you the best of both worlds- updates and inspiration! Here are some suggestions:
Brightspace Community (@BrightspaceHelp)- A great handle to follow for updates and help on using our LMS.
Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd)- Discovery Ed is always tweeting about new content, student learning activities, and virtual field trip opportunities. Looking for podcasts about teaching strategies and hot topics in education? They’ve got that too.
Tech4Learning (@Tech4Learning)- Do you use Wixie? Then you have to follow Tech4Learning. Don’t use Wixie? Then you have to follow Tech4Learning. Along with highlighting the various templates and projects, Tech4Learning goes right to the source and heavily retweets teachers across the country using Wixie with their students. Follow them, and you may even see some familiar AACPS faces!
Google for EDU (@GoogleforEDU) - It’s no secret that OIT are big Google fans. While there are many Google handles worth following, if you’re only going to follow one, then this is the one. Resources, lesson ideas, certification opportunities, and platform updates relative to education all come from this feed.
Lumio by Smart (@LumioSocial)- Lumio is one of the most versatile platforms we subscribe to in AACPS. This PLN is an excellent source of ideas and webinars on using Lumio with your students. They also host a monthly challenge that will help you grow your skills.
WeVideo for Schools (@WeVideoEdu)- Are you interested in getting your students involved in creating videos, but you’re not sure where to start? Then WeVideoEdu is a great place to get started. This is another handle that loves to retweet actual classrooms using their platform. It’s amazing to see what K-12 students are producing using this WeVideo.
Eric Curts (@ericcurts)- We have been fortunate enough to be able to host Eric Curts multiple times over the years for professional development. A Tech Integrationist, writer, Google for Education Certified Trainer and Innovator, Eric is a prime example of “Sharing is Caring.” Follow him for ways to integrate Google activities into your instruction.
Kasey Bell (@ShakeUpLearning)- Kasey is a southern girl who loves Google. Follow her for webinars, podcasts, and tips on getting the most of the Google Suite.
Tony Vincent (@tonyvincent)- Tony is a great go-to when looking for quick, easy tips to make using technology easier in your classroom. He also retweets interesting articles and resources from other industry leaders, making him a good “all in one” follow.
Ditch That Textbook (@DitchThatTxtbk)- Encouraging educators to think outside the textbook, this handle is a nice blend of ideas, templates, and pedagogy to help teachers bring creativity into instruction.
And finally, the most important person we follow? YOU! We try to follow as many AACPS educators and programs as possible since we love seeing what’s going on across the district- technology or not! To make it easy to follow your fellow colleagues follow OIT’s list of AACPS Schools. Not on it? Follow us so we can follow you and add you to the list!
