Enhancing teacher education…with Twitter?

Abstract

The isolation that has historically plagued the teaching profession has particularly harmful effects on novice teachers who need the guidance, wisdom, and encouragement of other educators. In recent years, however, social media tools have helped many teachers connect with colleagues and build robust professional learning networks (PLNs) beyond their schools and districts. In this article, the authors describe their experiences using Twitter with preservice teachers to jump-start their PLN development. Through Twitter, preservice teachers interact with program alumni and in-service educators, and the teacher education program is able to build a stronger connection with their partners in the field.