Instructional Planning: Twitter as Professional Learning Network

For many educators, Twitter has been the primary place to which they have turned for inspiration, best practices, and other self-guided professional development. However, following news of Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, many educators contemplated the potential need for an alternative space for online teacher communities.

  • “I say the same thing; those who do not know, have no clue how Twitter has served so many of us educators and brought us closer together, regardless where in the world we live. Whether day or night, there’s always someone there for us.” —Educator in Oregon
  • “It changes my entire philosophy of teaching, being on @Twitter. The biggest impact was the #mtbos community, where I met fellow educators online and sometimes eventually in person.” —High School STEM Teacher
  • “Just in case @Twitter shuts down after today, I just want to thank all of the educators out there who have shared their brilliance on this app and made me better at what I do. Connecting with all of you has been the best!” —Elementary Principal in New Jersey
  • “Don’t plan on leaving. Teacher/Leader Twitter is very unique and I don’t think it can be replicated. It would take years to get where we are at now.” —Principal in Maine
    • “#MTBoS while I understand that Twitter is part of the name, if I were to leave Twitter is there another way to connect with you all together and see your amazing posts?” —Math Teacher in Massachusetts
      • “Twitter has been a powerful professional library, open 24/7, but my participation on the platform is in doubt. What other tools exist out there that allow you to access the expertise of other educators & to connect in meaningful ways?” —Elementary Teacher in Michigan
    • “How are my #sschat friends feeling about sticking with or leaving Twitter?” —Educator in Colorado 
      • “Staying for now. @TheHIVE_Social is my alternate plan.” —Educator in Vermont 
  • “I love reading teaching ideas from the #sschat community so I plan to stay. Also set up an account on Mastodon and would like to see more K12 folks on there.” —History Teacher
  • “Oh my heavens. I’ve joined ANOTHER social media network. This one seems similar to Twitter. I think I’ll like it if worse comes to worse. I don’t plan to leave Twitter. But this might be my back up. It’s called Hive.” —ESL Educator in Texas
    • “I heard about another one today called Mastodon. I don’t plan to leave Twitter either but you’re right, it’s good to have back-up options.” —ESL Educator in Texas
  • “I’m truly disappointed that @Twitter, an established #PLN for #educators, has been turned into a billionaire’s joke. Which platform do you all recommend to continue growing and learning from educators?” —Educator Becky Lim
    • “I learn a lot on LinkedIn. Give it a try. Pretty sure I’m going to be leaving Twitter. It has become a difficult, negative place to be so quickly!” —Educator in Wisconsin 
  • “If you’re wondering about a Twitter alternative, I’ve made a Mastodon account here along with a lot of other people you know from Twitter. https://mathstodon.xyz/home I’ll stay on Twitter as long as it’s up but it might be good to make an account here just in case.” —Math Educator in California
  • “With the fate of Twitter in the balance I thought it wise to create a space for all great #ElemMathChat connections to continue. With that in mind I created this FB community. Come join if you are inclined & invite like minded friends!” —Math Educator in Oklahoma