Recommended Educational Twitter Chats

Twitter chats are topic centered conversations that take place on Twitter through a specific hashtag. There are generally two different types of chats. The first is referred to as a 'slow' chat, which means that a question is posed every day or week and people answer the question when they have time. The second and most popular kind is a 'live' chat, which takes place on a certain day and time and people engage in a live conversation. 

If you have never participated in a Twitter chat, I suggest you start slow as not to overwhelm yourself. Some chats move so fast that your head can start to spin. By slow, I mean don't feel you have to answer every question. Pick and choose or spend the entire time 'lurking' and not participating. It is okay to lurk during a chat until you get comfortable with the format and flow. 

https://sites.google.com/site/gafechat/tips

My list of recommended live Twitter chats:

#tosachat - Chat for Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSA) 
Description: The chat covers a wide range of topics, such as STEAM, Coding, Having Hard Conversations, Tool & Templates, and PBL. While the chat focuses on discussions for educators who support other educators, anyone can benefit from the conversation.
Website: http://www.tosachat.org/ (check out chat transcripts on homepage)
Date: Every Monday
Time: 10:00-11:00 pm (CST)
Founders/Moderators: Ben Cogswell, Karly Moura, Joe Young, Kelly Martin

 

#educoach - Chat for Instructional Coaches

Description: The chat covers a wide range of topics to help Instructional Coaches with their job, such as teacher isolation, helping teachers develop growth mindset, leading professional development, and crucial conversations. 

Website: https://educoachchat.wikispaces.com/ (check out chat transcripts on Archives page)

Date: Every Wednesday

Time: 9:00-10:00 pm (CST)

Moderators: Kathy Perret, Jessica Johnson, Shira Leibowitz

#tlap - Chat for Teachers

Description: The chat is centered around Dave Burgess, Teach Like a Pirate book. The chat covers a wide range of topics teachers can use to increase student engagement.

Website: none

Date: Every Monday

Time: 8:00-9:00 pm (CST)

Founder/Moderator: Dave Burgess

#gafechat - Chat for Google (Apps) for Education Educators/Districts

Description: The chat is centered around Google (Apps) for Education topics. Some times the discussion will be centered all around a particular Google tool, such as Sites. Other times the discussion will center around using Google during a specific instructional strategy/best practice, such as Genius Hour. 

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/gafechat/home (check out chat transcripts on Chat Archives page)

Date: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month

Time: 8:00-9:00 pm (CST)

Founder/Moderator: Kelly Fitzgerald (me)

There are so many Twitter chats, I couldn't possible mention them all. If you are interested in learning more about the various Twitter chats offered throughout the week, please visit the following resources:

• Education Calendar Website - most comprehensive list of all available education chats
• Participate Learning - participate in a chat and gather a collection of resources shared during the chat all in one location

Twitter is my favorite form of professional development, with edcamps being second. The majority of what I learn professionally comes from following certain hashtags and participating in Twitter chats. I encourage you to check out one of the chats mentioned above. I strongly believe that you will not be disappointed.