TWITTER

In using my Twitter account the past few weeks, I was able to gain some useful information. Two of the groups of people I followed on Twitter were interested in events and art related content that connected to the Walker Art Center and the Smithsonian Art Institute. I was amazed at how following events at these art locations allowed me to connect with lots of other art related subject matter and events throughout the nation! One of the things I gained access to on a professional level were wonderful photographs and information on current exhibits within these art locations. It was also interesting to read other Twitter followers' comments about these events and to see their links about their own artwork and related art subject matter.

I would mostly use Twitter at this time for professional reasons. I feel it would benefit me by allowing me to stay connected and communicate with other "art followers". These types of people were most useful for me to follow. I did follow a person's individual art business, but got somewhat side-tracked in reading numerous personal comments that spun off of that business owner's personal side of life! I feel his Twitter account was more of a business marketing tool also. This link was not useful for me to follow.

I found myself mostly using Twitter to see links, comment on other people's links and respond to and create questions. It allowed me to share my thoughts and, possibly sources, that influence my professional thinking. I could see using Twitter in this way with art teachers in my district and with other teachers following me who would find my linked websites relevant to the subject matter they teach and/or are interested in.

If used by all art teachers Twitter would help facilitate collaboration, allow them to connect with experts, share reflections, allow feedback and idea development and serve as a resource sharing device.