Positive Effects of Social Media -February 9, 2019

Yesterday was College Day at my school. As I met with each of my classes, I shared with them a little about the colleges, I attended. They learned that I went to University of Maryland, College Park for my Bachelors' in Elementary Education and then to Johns Hopkins for my Masters in Technology for Educators. I received my Bachelors in 1997 and my Masters in 2002. 

But I told each class, I am still learning every day. I then explained to them that I was doing 3 book studies- two on Twitter and one on Instagram. They looked at me funny- aren't Instagram and Twitter for being social and getting as many followers as you can? 

They were surprised- what is very much part of their social life with their friends serves a very different purpose for me and many educators. For us, social media has revolutionized our teaching, opened doors to new learning and connected us in ways we could never imagine.

When I explored #CSinSF, I was so impressed that I decided to tweet out a thanks to @JakeMillerTech and @KarlyMoura and #CSinSF. 

Look what happened...I have to admit..I am seriously "fangirling"- is that a word? THE Jake Miller responded to my post and THE Karly Moura is now following ME? Plus, @BillMarsland, who works at #CSinSF wants my feedback on his curriculum. WOW!

Wow, I need to say it again...this interaction would have never happened without Twitter. It has allowed me to learn things I never knew about like this computer science curriculum and linked me to educators around the world.