Exploring Twitter Hashtags as Professional Spaces for Educators

• In Event: 31.087 - Exploring Professional Communities

Abstract

In recent years, Twitter has come to play an important role in educator professional learning. In particular, a large number of education-related Twitter hashtags (e.g., #edchat) play a key part in facilitating connections and interactions between educators with similar interests and needs. This research explores the landscape of education Twitter hashtags. We examine the use of sixteen such hashtags over a 13-month time period. This paper presents findings regarding primarily quantitative patterns and themes in the use of these hashtags. We compare and contrast synchronous and asynchronous uses, hyperlink sharing, the balance of tweets and retweets, and other characteristics of the hashtags usage. We discuss our findings in relation to the literature and consider implications for educator professional learning.

Authors

• Jeffrey Paul Carpenter, Elon University

• Tania Tani, Participate

• Scott Morrison, Elon University

• Julie Keane, Participate