What was your last "Tweet?"

So, I just finished a professional in-service with some of my faculty members. The session focused around Internet Resources for the classroom, to make the teachers more efficient and to expand their collaborative efforts.

Following the in-service the topic around the lunch table was Twitter. (www.twitter.com or http://twitter.com) For those of you unfamiliar with the "Real-Time Conversation Network," think Facebook status and nothing else. The common question was, "Well, what do you use it for?" "Why do you use it?" and "Why should I waste my time?"

You know what, really good questions! I was introduced to Twitter in October, through a Powerful Learning Practice (PLP) cohort, via my school system. I had the same exact questions as above. I didn't understand it, couldn't get why I should waste my time, and let it go off to the side.

However, about a month ago, for whatever reason, I wanted to investigate Twitter again. (I won't say I have the answer to how you will use it, but here is how I do.) Twitter has proven to be great to get updated on what is going on in the world. CNN, Barack Obama, the local news channels and newspaper all send out "Tweets," or updates. The following is an example of a "Tweet" from a local news channel: 3 overcome by carbon monoxide: A missing flue pipe is the suspected cause after three people were overcome with .. http://snipurl.com/d9drx The "Tweet" provides a brief snippet of information with a link of where you can find the whole story.

I am able to get instant, updated info when it happens. How else do I use it? This morning, about an hour prior to the in-service, I updated my status much like on Facebook. My status simply read, "preparing for an in-service. going to present Twitter for the first time, a little nervous about it." Within in 10 minutes, one of my "followers" (think friend on facebook) sent me info on how to present Twitter to those who don't know. While it was a bit late to go through the videos he had for me, it's a great resource for future presentation.

The other plus about Twitter...the updates are limited to 140 characters. They are short blasts of information. Not a full story. You search for people or organization you want to follow (or become "friends" with). You can respond to find out more info or send info to a question or problem.

In a short period of time I've found Twitter to be a great professional resource. One stat that I'll use...(While I have not seen the specific years.) "Last year," I believe 2007, in the U.S. there were 600,000 ppl using Twitter. "This Year," I believe 2008, 6,000,000 ppl are using Twitter. Hmm a bit of a jump!!!

So, what was your last "Tweet?"

Principalcoach