Page Objectives

By the time you're finished going through the content and suggested activities found on this page, you should have:

• Developed a basic understanding for what Twitter is and what it can be used for
• Signed up for Twitter account, and filled out your profile information
• Completed a number of basic Twitter tasks such as:
  • Publish a tweet
  • Use a hashtag
  • Send a direct message
  • Follow another Twitter account

How does Twitter work?

Now, you've got a little more background about what Twitter is, but you might be wondering to yourself, "Exactly how do I go about using Twitter?" I've got a couple of great resources that I think can help with this. The first is a SlideShare presentation, that covers all the basics of what Twitter is, why it is powerful, and the types of things you can do with Twitter.

The second resource I'd like to direct you to is Twitter's own Getting started with Twitter page. On the page, you'll find a little bit of text, and a handful of quick 30 second videos that walk you through how to use Twitter to join a conversation around a topic you are interested in.

Start Using Twitter

Now that you are signed up, let's get you out into the Twitter-sphere to do a few things. The following is a little to-do list that I have worked up. I would encourage you to explore the Twitter site or app, and experiment with navigating it on your own. However, if you get stuck or are in a hurry, you can click the "tutorial video" link that appears at the end of each item on the list, and it will send you to a quick video that demonstrates how to do each task.

Start Using Twitter To-Do List:

• Add a profile picture. I'd recommend using an actual portrait of yourself, especially if you are going to use Twitter for professional (education) purposes; tutorial video
• Fill out your Twitter profile. A good place to start is what your current position is at your school / organization. Feel free to also include information that is more personal to you. If you'd like to see an example, here is a link to my Twitter profile; tutorial video
• Compose a tweet to let me (and the world) know that you've started your Twitter journey #GetStartedTwitterEdu (hint: don't put any punctuation at the end of a hashtag); tutorial video
• Tag me in a message (@drewayrit) and let me know what your goals are for using Twitter--maybe I can help; tutorial video
• Find a friend, person, or organization you like, and follow them. This means that you'll see anything they tweet in your feed; tutorial video

Reflect

Take some time to reflect on the learning that took place while progressing through the information and activities offered on this page. Tweet utilizing #GetStartedTwitterEdu:

• One insight or piece of learning you found particularly valuable.
• One question you still have related to the information / activities on this page.