Page 62 - Resources and Support for the Online Educator

Leveraging Technology for Teacher Efficiency and Effectivenes • CHAPTER 11

VOICES OF EXPERIENCE

Nicole M. Zumpano, NBCT, Technology Coach
Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, Illinois
nmzumpano@gmail.com, @nmzumpano, Zumpanotechlab.blogspot.com

Using Twitter to Build Community
As a technology coach, one way I promote the positive use of
social media in my school is through Twitter projects. While we
highlight great things all year long, I am always pleased at how
we are able to build community at the beginning and the end of
each school year using Twitter.

Setting the Tone
In Chicago we start school with our students the week of Labor Day, so our first
week is always 4 days long. To build excitement for the new school year, each
day I release a different Twitter prompt for our students and teachers to respond
to. Past examples include: What are three things you love about Coonley? What
are you looking forward to learning this year? What does your teacher need to
know in order for you to be successful this year? What is one thing you learned
this summer? Our teachers who already use
Twitter respond directly to the prompt and
tag us. Those who don’t use the platform still
contribute! Many will give students Post-it
notes, use their whiteboards, index cards,
etc., to respond to the prompt. The teachers
will then snap a picture and send it to me to
post for them. This not only allows our parents
a sneak peek into our classrooms but also
gives our teachers some talking points about
responses they receive. Each year more
teachers join Twitter to be a direct part of the
action.

Continued

Integrating Technology in the Classroom 251

Integrating Technology in the Classroom: Tools to Meet the Needs of Every Student 62