To Tweet or Not to Tweet? That is the Question.

In a world consumed with technology the question remains how should it be used in the classroom? As mentioned at numerous times during this blog, finding the balance of technology in education is vital to a 21st. Century classroom. Whether we like it or not technology is here to stay and is a vital part to education in today's schools. When I think about using technology in my classroom I constantly ask myself these three questions:

How can I use technology to help influence others in the most important way possible? 
How can I use technology to better myself and my students? 
What is technology replacing and is it worth it?

Using these three questions as a barometer has helped me to not only use the latest fad or trend but also make my use of technology relevant and useful for myself, my colleagues, and most importantly my students. After discovering more technology tools recently there has definitely been a shift in the amount of technology I plan to use next year. I plan on using a Learning Management System and Google Apps For Education (GAFE) in my class. I also plan on using different resources such as Pinterest, Diigo, and others to help me collaborate with other teachers. I am honestly still trying to figure out how much I am going to use Social Media in my classroom. I haven't found the need for Twitter, Facebook, etc. in my classroom at this point. That is not to say it doesn't serve a purpose. I have seen more harm than good come from social media and believe that school should be a place of solace from all the distractions around us throughout the rest of our day.

With that said I can see how some teachers would use Twitter or Facebook in the classroom setting. As I continue to search for the best ways to enhance my classroom, using technology and social media will be one of my priorities. One of my favorite education blogs is edutopia. They have a great post about the myths, fears, and uses of social media here.

One of the great things about technology in education is that it is unique to you. Use the things that are productive for your growth and your classroom. Find your guiding questions. For those that are still on the journey on whether or not to use social media in your classroom, I found this video below that has great tips on how to use it.

Enjoy!!!!!