Today, I was fortunate enough to attend the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference, and it reaffirmed why I am on Twitter. I have attended this conference the previous two years. Last year, I ran into a former principal, who is now a superintendent, and he introduced me to another superintendent. That was the extent of that connection.
Today's experience was quite different. I have been an active Twitter participant for a year now, have learned more than I could have ever imagined, and have made many connections along the way. This afternoon, I met many of those connections in person. Three superintendents, a director of educational services, two curriculum directors, a college professor, several school board members, and too many principals to count. That was just after lunch.
The difference? I got so much more out of today's event because of the connections I have made. A year ago, if I had a curriculum question, I was left to searching for the answer myself. Today, I could contact any one of a number of people I now "know" on Twitter and probably have an answer or some insight within an hour. Chances are, if someone is on Twitter, they will respond to you if you ask a question. It is access to some of the best minds in education.
Why do I Tweet? Why wouldn't I?
That is as succinct and to the point as can be, and so true. We rightly decry the isolation in education, what Richard Elmore calls the 'atomization' of educational practice. Twitter -- free, democratic, and encouraging -- is the perfect source for education professionals to borrow best practices. Well put, Ryan!
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