*Side note, if you ever have the chance to hear them speak, TAKE IT! They're incredible!
Anyways, one of the things that they spoke about was using an Analog Twitter Wall in the classroom. Check out their post about it here. I created one of these in my classroom immediately upon returning from the conference. However, before introducing the concept to the students, I first began by asking them to raise their hands if they have ever heard of Twitter. Every single hand went up! To me this validated the importance of discussing the topic of Digital Citizenship in regard to social media before students are of the age to have their own accounts.
I first introduced our new classroom Twitter account (@Lambitz1stGrade). The students were so thrilled! We discussed the concept of Twitter and how we would be using it to connect and learn with people around the world. I discussed with the class that before we send out a tweet we must always ask ourselves if our words positive, appropriate, and do they represent us well? Then we ask ourselves if we want to put our words out into the world and never be able to take them back? It is my hope that by repeating these concepts daily that the students will learn to ask these of themselves when they do have the opportunity to put their own words out on the internet.
I also use our Analog Twitter Wall as part of our ongoing discussion about Digital Citizenship. The students treat these Analog Tweets as if they are actually being put out on Twitter. In fact, sometimes, we do use the thoughts and questions from our wall on our classroom Twitter account. The students love having the opportunity to write their own "tweets"! Writing tweets is part of our morning routine. After the students complete their morning work, they write their tweet and then post it back on our wall.
I have continued with the classroom Twitter account and the Analog Twitter Wall with my class this school year. As I mentioned in my Classroom Setup post my Analog Twitter Wall got a makeover this year. I was going to create my own "Twitter Cards", but thought to check Teachers Pay Teachers first. I found exactly what I was looking for! I downloaded these "Twitter Exit Cards" by The Pioneer Teacher. They're perfect! I laminated them and put magnets on the back. Students use a dry erase marker to write their "tweet" everyday.
I have really enjoyed using both a classroom Twitter account and an Analog Twitter Wall with my students. I have found both to be very positive! I hope you give it a try with your class and find the same success that I have.
